: a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed
motivated by naked ambition and greed
Synonyms
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
As for those civil rights groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, who argue that a ban would unfairly target Black smokers, their argument lacks credibility and is based in greed.
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Richard Boykin, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2024
The specifics are those of the Yanomami people: their struggle to maintain a way of life in sync with nature, and to withstand invading forces of greed and commerce that treat nature as a source of wealth to be plundered.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for greed 
Richard Boykin, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2024
The specifics are those of the Yanomami people: their struggle to maintain a way of life in sync with nature, and to withstand invading forces of greed and commerce that treat nature as a source of wealth to be plundered.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for greed
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'greed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near greed
Cite this Entry
“Greed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greed. Accessed 31 May. 2024.
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greed
noun
: selfish desire for food, money, or possessions over and above one's needs
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