greed

noun

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

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.
Most importantly, Kaiser went on national radio and warned that democracy itself could not survive if America returned to the greed, monopoly and economic cruelty that had scarred the industrial age. Tom Debley, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 For others, the salary cap proposal demonstrates pure greed from owners who are all fabulously wealthy yet perennially crying poor. David Faris, TheWeek, 15 June 2026 The most heartbreaking toll that war, disease, greed, and bigotry, all of these things, the greatest toll comes to the children. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2026 Trump has opened our eyes to the consequences of extreme greed, corruption, cruelty, and utter disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law. Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 9 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Greed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greed. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

greed

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

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