as in greedy
having or marked by an eager and often selfish desire especially for material possessions
they were a mercenary couple, who defined themselves not by what they were but by what they owned
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Recent Examples of mercenary
The correct attitude toward this stuff is probably a cautious cynicism—knowing bad actors will continue to milk AI for the most mercenary purposes, while not ruling out the chance for bizarre genius.
—
Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 28 Jan. 2026
These mercenary-force ICE clowns are traitors to the country and the Constitution.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
Are there any mercenary DEs out there the Niners would consider calling for the playoff run?
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2025
In The Nowhere Man, Lukas (Khoza), a former Special Forces mercenary crippled by PTSD, has turned his back on his violent past and is operating as a junk collector on the streets of Johannesburg.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mercenary
Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 28 Jan. 2026
These mercenary-force ICE clowns are traitors to the country and the Constitution.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
Are there any mercenary DEs out there the Niners would consider calling for the playoff run?
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2025
In The Nowhere Man, Lukas (Khoza), a former Special Forces mercenary crippled by PTSD, has turned his back on his violent past and is operating as a junk collector on the streets of Johannesburg.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mercenary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercenary
Adjective
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That requires that the drug companies be less greedy in squeezing the state’s Medicaid program.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
12 Feb. 2026
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Unfortunately, buying a legitimate one to replace what’s been stolen can cost five, 10, or even 20 times that if your dealer’s service department is especially greedy, which is a big part of the problem here.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Weir was always eager to share anecdotes about Garcia and their escapades.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2026
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Tax season is in full swing, and many taxpayers are eager to see their refunds arrive in their bank accounts.—
Jordan Green,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Harlan has an avaricious family, each member of which has something to gain from his death.—
Anna Russell,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
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What Netanyahu wants is not this peace deal or avaricious annexations, but to stay in power.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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L’Oréal, which was highly acquisitive in 2025, with deals to purchase Kering Beauty, Medik8 and ColorWow, as well as an additional 10 percent stake in Galderma, among other transactions, no doubt will continue enriching its portfolio in the new year.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
6 Jan. 2026
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Paramount Skydance completed its merger last year, and since then CEO David Ellison has been acquisitive.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mercenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercenary. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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