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: 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
In the wake of the arrest, many social media users have cast Mangione as a martyr against corporate greed or used the shooting to criticize the health insurance industry.
—Sara Dorn, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Those details are worth bearing in mind as some people seek to cast his killing as a tale of justified, or at least understandable, fury against faceless corporate greed.
—Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 14 Dec. 2024
Reactions to healthcare boss’ killing highlights public’s disgust W/ corporate greed
Niall Stanage delivers monologue on the reaction to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione.
—The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024
Thompson's killing had sparked a national debate about the unfairness of the healthcare insurance industry and corporate greed, with some taking to social media to blast UnitedHealthcare's practices and celebrating the gunman as a folk hero.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
back-formation from greedy
First Known Use
1609, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near greed
Cite this Entry
“Greed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greed. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
greed
noun
: selfish desire for food, money, or possessions over and above one's needs
More from Merriam-Webster on greed
Nglish: Translation of greed for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of greed for Arabic Speakers
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