: 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
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
Because your siblings have chosen to embrace that divisiveness and greed, these may not be relationships that serve you anymore.
—
R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
Such is the suffering of the lowly expendables, but spoils of war for the oligarchy of greed and power.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026
This is a win-win for anti-Americanism and its greed.
—Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
But this remains a polling no-brainer for lawmakers, who are tired of being seen as self-serving greed monsters.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for greed
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.
R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
Such is the suffering of the lowly expendables, but spoils of war for the oligarchy of greed and power.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026
This is a win-win for anti-Americanism and its greed.
—Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
But this remains a polling no-brainer for lawmakers, who are tired of being seen as self-serving greed monsters.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for greed
Cite this Entry
“Greed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greed. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
greed
noun
: selfish desire for food, money, or possessions over and above one's needs
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
