COVETOUSNESS Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

covetousness

noun

Definition of covetousness

as in jealousy

a painful awareness of another's possessions or advantages and a desire to have them too his covetousness for his neighbors' things spoils any enjoyment he might have of his own possessions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in greed

an intense selfish desire for wealth or possessions an insatiable covetousness made her work long hours so that she could afford expensive things

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of covetousness Simple fasting from food can be ruined — rendered not pleasing to Allah — if spoiled by telling lies, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, swearing a false oath, greed or covetousness. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for covetousness

Noun

Prosecutors argued that Yang, who had been involved with Gayle, murdered Reuter out of jealousy.

— Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
This isn't intended to be a trauma dump, inspire jealousy, or make your significant other act as your therapist.

— Sabrina Romanoff, CNBC, 29 June 2026

Definition of jealousy

Noun

In their view, high prices are not market failures but moral ones, the result of greed and corruption, which can be vanquished with the right intention.

— Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026
Some rabbinic readings attribute Lot’s hesitation to leave Sodom to his immoral greed and inordinate wealth.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026

Definition of greed

Noun

Politicians and podcasters model an ethos of resentment, dominance, and 15-minute fame for today’s young men.

— Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
Mental health experts previously told USA TODAY that resentment toward displays of wealth often have little to do with the actual individuals involved.

— Charles Trepany, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of resentment

Noun

The show, which was originally based on a memoir of the same name, serves up serious fashion envy as well as a helping of good-old inspiring feminism.

— Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
The entertainment industry has spent a decade trying to reverse-engineer A24 — low key, because unbridled envy is a bad look.

— Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 23 June 2026

Definition of envy

Browse Nearby Words

covetous

covetousness

covets

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Covetousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covetousness. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of covetousness

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gambol

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes