-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
: 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
The depravity of human greed at its most despicable and depraved on full display.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
And what began as a stark satire of greed, exploitation, and economic polarization has largely devolved into a cash-cow franchise like any other.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024
Awards Questions of survival vs. greed take hold in the return of ‘Squid Game’
Dec. 17, 2024
Who are the contestants?
Season 1 featured 456 contestants, all of whom wear numbered tracksuits.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
Fain’s attacks on corporate greed resonated with Democratic Party leaders as companies cranked profit margins to record highs on the back of cost increases and fiscal stimulus prompted by the pandemic.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for greed
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.
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 6 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share