greed

noun

Synonyms of greednext
: 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
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.
Its works not only suggest strategies for housing the destitute but also convey an understanding of the forces (authoritarianism, corporate greed, systemic racism, and the co-option of modernism) that have conspired against São Paulo—and Los Angeles. Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 As Jordan's father, his character acted as a moral counterpoint to Jordan, who was fully engulfed in the corruption and greed that comes with being a stockbroker. Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025 There’s a lot of dour… There’s a lot of greed. Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 18 Dec. 2025 Ahead of its biggest ever World Cup tournament, FIFA has been accused of greed on an industrial scale, gouging the pockets of supporters who are the lifeblood of the game. Don Riddell, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Greed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greed. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

greed

noun
: selfish desire for food, money, or possessions over and above one's needs

More from Merriam-Webster on greed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!