1
as in desire
sexual appetite
the Puritans did not condemn concupiscence but rather the satisfaction of it in ways they deemed illicit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lustfulness
intense sexual desire
according to the church theologian St. Augustine, concupiscence is a consequence of original sin
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 concupiscence
Gregory of Nyssa, contemplating the Christian horror of concupiscence, once theorized that had not Adam and Eve sinned, the two of them would have remained virgins and reproduced in whatever way angels did.
—
David Harsanyi, National Review, 8 June 2023
The depictions are disturbingly romantic: seminude invaders among smoldering monuments, preening with bloodlust and concupiscence.
—Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 9 June 2020
David Harsanyi, National Review, 8 June 2023
The depictions are disturbingly romantic: seminude invaders among smoldering monuments, preening with bloodlust and concupiscence.
—Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 9 June 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concupiscence
Noun
-
For instance, there was a high level of desire to be guided through the process of entering one's billing or credit card info into an in-car payment app.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
8 Apr. 2025
-
While focusing on getting their own house in order, some companies may focus less on their M&A desires and dreams, although uncertainty could create opportunities.—
Louis Biscotti,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Kicking has turned into his new passion over the last few years.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Our Pause for Purpose curriculum is one example of an intentional step toward making a career change or pivot with passion and purpose.—
Laurel Donnellan,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Khazan is filled with a lust for revenge against the emperor and all of those who betrayed him, while the Blade Phantom seeks to restore balance to the underworld, which has been sent into disarray due to events on the surface.—
Scott McRae,
Rolling Stone,
24 Mar. 2025
-
There’s gorgeous provocation, and there’s so much love and lust in her eyes.—
Rachel Handler,
Vulture,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Concupiscence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concupiscence. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share