greed

1 of 2

noun

ˈgrēd How to pronounce greed (audio)
Synonyms of greed
: a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed
motivated by naked ambition and greed
greed for money and power

greed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of gree entry 2

Synonyms of greed

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Noun

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Examples of greed in a Sentence

Noun He was a ruthless businessman, motivated by naked ambition and greed. don't let greed for riches control you
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
These prediction market partnerships have, for some, become emblematic of what fans see as unfettered greed on the part of teams, players, leagues and platforms believed to be degrading their experience of sports writ large. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 But the eleventh-hour blitz of No On 3 ads that Keep Florida Clean funded, warning of the greed of Big Weed, inflamed voters’ private worries of societal decay. — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Formerly, Christians were taught that greed--that is, the immoderate pursuit and love of money--was a sin. — Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026 No ghosts, ghouls, or demons here, just the evil things that greed makes people do, at least until the little guy starts fighting back. — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for greed

Word History

Etymology

Noun

back-formation from greedy

First Known Use

Noun

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greed was in 1609

Rhymes for greed

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Browse Nearby Words

Greece
greed
greedily
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Cite this Entry

“Greed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greed. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

greed

noun
ˈgrēd How to pronounce greed (audio)
: selfish desire for food, money, or possessions over and above one's needs
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