1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective greedy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of greedy are acquisitive, avaricious, covetous, and grasping. While all these words mean "having or showing a strong desire for especially material possessions," greedy stresses lack of restraint and often of discrimination in desire.

greedy for status symbols

When is it sensible to use acquisitive instead of greedy?

In some situations, the words acquisitive and greedy are roughly equivalent. However, acquisitive implies both eagerness to possess and ability to acquire and keep.

an eagerly acquisitive mind

When is avaricious a more appropriate choice than greedy?

The words avaricious and greedy can be used in similar contexts, but avaricious implies obsessive acquisitiveness especially of money and strongly suggests stinginess.

an avaricious miser

Where would covetous be a reasonable alternative to greedy?

The meanings of covetous and greedy largely overlap; however, covetous implies inordinate desire often for another's possessions.

covetous of his brother's country estate

How does the word grasping relate to other synonyms for greedy?

Grasping adds to covetous and greedy an implication of selfishness and often suggests unfair or ruthless means.

a hard grasping businesswoman who cheated her associates

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 greedy Many of the Bronx’s Jews were not just liberals but leftists, leading rent strikes against greedy landlords. Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2025 Who will receive the money from the late Great Scott and which greedy character is responsible for his death? Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025 The greedy wizard had an idea to build beautiful hotels and homes. Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2025 But that’s not the way of most corporate America, despite the endless pushing by greedy bankers and lawyers who don’t have enough work to do to maintain their admittedly lavish lifestyles versus pretty much the rest of the country’s work force. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for greedy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greedy
Adjective
  • Neither Evil Steve Jobs nor his mercenary lackey are given much of a motor and oppressive presence.
    Courtney Howard, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Since invading Ukraine, Putin has regularly invoked old arguments about Russia’s imperial role in the world, yet his references amount to a mercenary patchwork.
    James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Poles needs to find difference-makers, nasty offensive linemen, game-wrecking defensive linemen, ravenous pass rushers … again, the Bears have a lot of needs.
    Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Nonnative invasive species and ravenous deer are killing the nearby trees that are necessary to feed and provide homes for future generations of beavers.
    Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The prospect of an electric AMG supercar is something worth getting excited about.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Create awesome emails that make your dream customers excited to open, ready to buy.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For a very long time, other nations have been sizing up California with a covetous eye.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Those include a daffy retriever, a headstrong capybara, a covetous lemur and a mysterious bird, as well as glimpses of more fantastical creatures.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And in 2023, Jimmy Kimmel anticipated that his audience might be hungry, and stashed snacks underneath their seats (with attendant donations to the L.A. Food Bank).
    Justine Fisher, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Chelsea’s ownership viewed them all as young, smart, hungry, motivated people at the right point of their respective career arcs.
    Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • An avid dancer and photographer, Dondé likes to incorporate his artistic passions into his bar offerings, often naming creative libations after his most beloved tunes and entertainers.
    Kristin Tablang, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Walt Disney and Skiing Disney was a rather avid sports fan.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Wiseman’s documentaries won’t ever earn blockbuster money or inspire franchises, the mark of success in the film world, and there’s no merch to purchase or brand sponsorship tickling the acquisitive part of your brain.
    Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Federation rivals ITV Studios and Fremantle are both rumored to be on the block, while Banijay remains acquisitive and newer players like North Road are part of this evolving conversation.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • To devour one in a single bite would be gluttonous.
    Tanya Sichynsky, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Another venerable Caribbean Carnival tradition is the breakfast party, which on paper sounds like bona-fide madness: wake up in the middle of the night, go to a nice venue, drink and dance until the sun rises, eat a gluttonous drunken breakfast, then return home to get back in bed and knock out.
    Baz Dreisinger, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Greedy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greedy. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on greedy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!