greed

noun

ˈgrēd How to pronounce greed (audio)
Synonyms of greed
: a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed
motivated by naked ambition and greed
greed for money and power

Synonyms of greed

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Examples of greed in a Sentence

He was a ruthless businessman, motivated by naked ambition and greed. don't let greed for riches control you
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The villains in his stories are motivated by pure greed, and trade-offs do not exist. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 These poems used images from ordinary life to warn against greed, religious hypocrisy and an excessive attachment to worldly possessions. — Peter Dziedzic, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 The division is over the desire of candidates to take on concentrations of wealth and power, and their willingness and desire to take on corporate greed and corporate power in general. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 Even the wealthiest Americans are not immune to fear and greed. — David Rae, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for greed

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from greedy

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greed was in 1609

Rhymes for greed

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Browse Nearby Words

Greece
greed
greedily
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Cite this Entry

“Greed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greed. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

greed

noun
ˈgrēd How to pronounce greed (audio)
: selfish desire for food, money, or possessions over and above one's needs

More from Merriam-Webster on greed

Nglish: Translation of greed for Spanish Speakers

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