COVETOUSNESS Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

covetousness

noun

Definition of covetousness

as in jealousy

a painful awareness of another's possessions or advantages and a desire to have them too his covetousness for his neighbors' things spoils any enjoyment he might have of his own possessions

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in greed

an intense selfish desire for wealth or possessions an insatiable covetousness made her work long hours so that she could afford expensive things

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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 covetousness Simple fasting from food can be ruined — rendered not pleasing to Allah — if spoiled by telling lies, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, swearing a false oath, greed or covetousness. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for covetousness

Noun

The singer’s October 1973 hit song chronicles one woman’s jealousy surrounding her significant other’s interest in another woman.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Instead of embracing the moment, too many players have projected petty jealousy, a grievance mentality and, at times, what many fans perceive as racial resentment.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of jealousy

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

Noun

His hatred of the Islamic State group appears genuine, and American cooperation with Damascus against the terrorist network will benefit the Syrians who suffered most under its rule.

— Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Yet Christ Jesus consistently refused to let fear, hatred, or sin define his view of anyone’s identity.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of hatred

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covetous

covetousness

covets

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“Covetousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covetousness. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of covetousness

noun

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