acquisitiveness

noun

Definition of acquisitivenessnext
as in greed
an intense selfish desire for wealth or possessions the queen's acquisitiveness would not be satisfied until she owned the largest diamond in the world

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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 acquisitiveness Many critics of such wanton cosmic acquisitiveness balk at the idea of scarcely regulated private-sector lunar strip-mining. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 14 May 2026 Following too closely in its protagonist’s footsteps, The Queen of Versailles presents only two options — tough but spiritually fulfilling material deprivation or unconstrained acquisitiveness. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acquisitiveness
greed
Noun
  • More than three-quarters of the world's cobalt supply lies in the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose abundant resources have drawn greed and grifters for centuries.
    — Ramtin Arablouei, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Political radicals have found purchase in Democratic primaries in part because of disgust with our present system of capitalist greed, self-dealing and multi-card monte with all cards in the president du jour’s hands.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of greed

Browse Nearby Words

acquisitive
acquisitiveness
acquit
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Cite this Entry

“Acquisitiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acquisitiveness. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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