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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 covetousness And yet his movie is mischievously multi-layered enough that the idea of covetousness does open up heady new seams of interpretation. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026 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 controversy that met me here was one borne of rumor and jealousy, which to this day is the most impersonal and easily absolvable of all of my internet crimes.

— Ivy Wolk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
The official winners of the Ballon d’Or have been announced, with Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas awarded their trophies at the London Palladium, receiving the acclaim (and the odd steely stare of jealousy) from their peers.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of jealousy

Noun

In his latest romp, corporate greed, lovable cows and hideous monsters converge in Richland, Ohio.

— Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
But he was plagued by guilt over his ancestor’s role in the trials, and felt compelled to explore themes of human character, greed, and social decay through his work.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of greed

Noun

The rioters waved the Confederate flag, a clear symbol of racist hatred.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
At least one person was killed and four people were injured in a shooting near Paris that may have been motivated by Islamophobic hatred, French officials say.

— Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of hatred

Noun

Naval engineers built elegant streets lined with glass balconies that became the envy of northwestern Spain, and more than a century later, Spain’s future dictator, Francisco Franco, the son of a naval officer, was born there.

— Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty.

— Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of envy

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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 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of covetousness

noun

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