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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
California For Subscribers The Mexican Mafia Tapes: Secret recordings reveal greed, betrayal — and a deal with the feds
Sept. 4, 2024
Stinson had already been serving a life sentence for murdering a drug dealer in 1979.
—Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, some ski industry observers say Vail's reluctance to increase patroller pay was part of a larger pattern of greed in a business largely controlled by two companies in North America: Vail, which runs 42 ski resorts worldwide, and the smaller Alterra, which operates 12.
—Erin Alberty, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025
The hero represents the greed and cynicism of the Beltway; his consultancy specializes in studies that help one U.S. military service make a case for a new weapon—while providing another service with the case against the weapon.
—Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Orlok is draped in the traditional clothing of a Transylvanian nobleman, and like most vampires, also represents the unquenchable greed of the wealthy and powerful.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 29 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 20 Jan. 2025.
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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