greed

noun

: a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed
motivated by naked ambition and greed

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
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.
Prosecutors said the killings were motivated by greed, pointing to a multimillion-dollar inheritance. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 Prosecutors argued the brothers acted out of greed, resorting to murder to get their multimillion-dollar inheritances before being cut out of their parents’ will. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025 Gibney even directed an episode of Billions, the Showtime drama about the nexus of Wall Street greed, political interests and dodgy prosecutors. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025 Later zombie stories tried to frame the condition as a virus, usually created in a lab so the writers can cram some allegories for greed and pride in there. New Atlas, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for greed

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from greedy

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greed was in 1609

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Greed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greed. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

greed

noun
: selfish desire for food, money, or possessions over and above one's needs

More from Merriam-Webster on greed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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