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covetous

adjective
cov·​et·​ous | \ ˈkÉ™-vÉ™-tÉ™s How to pronounce covetous (audio) \

Definition of covetous

1 : marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions He looked at his boss's new car with covetous eyes.
2 : having a craving for possession covetous of power
Other Words from covetous Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about covetous

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Other Words from covetous

covetously adverb
covetousness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for covetous

covetous, greedy, acquisitive, grasping, avaricious mean having or showing a strong desire for especially material possessions. covetous implies inordinate desire often for another's possessions. covetous of his brother's country estate greedy stresses lack of restraint and often of discrimination in desire. greedy for status symbols acquisitive implies both eagerness to possess and ability to acquire and keep. an eagerly acquisitive mind grasping adds to covetous and greedy an implication of selfishness and often suggests unfair or ruthless means. a hard grasping trader who cheated the natives avaricious implies obsessive acquisitiveness especially of money and strongly suggests stinginess. an avaricious miser

Examples of covetous in a Sentence

The expensive car drew many covetous looks. one aggressive bargain hunter rushed to make a covetous grab for the last marked-down TV

Recent Examples on the Web

 While early admirers of the first president depicted her as deeply spiritual and self-denying, by the mid-20th century she was portrayed as complaining, cold and covetous. — Marjoleine Kars, Washington Post, "Widow, slaveholder, mother of our first president," 25 July 2019 Their devotion to this training space feels peculiar in its intensity, as does their covetous desire for their sensei’s approval. — Justin Chang, Twin Cities, "‘The Art of Self-Defense’ takes violent comic aim at toxic masculinity," 19 July 2019 Their devotion to this training space feels peculiar in its intensity, as does their covetous desire for their sensei’s approval. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: ‘The Art of Self-Defense’ takes violent comic aim at toxic masculinity," 18 July 2019 Their devotion to this training space feels peculiar in its intensity, as does their covetous desire for their sensei’s approval. — Justin Chang, Detroit Free Press, "‘Art of Self-Defense’ takes comic aim at masculinity," 18 July 2019 Their devotion to this training space feels peculiar in its intensity, as does their covetous desire for their sensei’s approval. — Justin Chang, Twin Cities, "‘The Art of Self-Defense’ takes violent comic aim at toxic masculinity," 19 July 2019 Their devotion to this training space feels peculiar in its intensity, as does their covetous desire for their sensei’s approval. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: ‘The Art of Self-Defense’ takes violent comic aim at toxic masculinity," 18 July 2019 Their devotion to this training space feels peculiar in its intensity, as does their covetous desire for their sensei’s approval. — Justin Chang, Detroit Free Press, "‘Art of Self-Defense’ takes comic aim at masculinity," 18 July 2019 Their devotion to this training space feels peculiar in its intensity, as does their covetous desire for their sensei’s approval. — Justin Chang, Twin Cities, "‘The Art of Self-Defense’ takes violent comic aim at toxic masculinity," 19 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'covetous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of covetous

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for covetous

see covet

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More Definitions for covetous

covetous

adjective
How to pronounce covetous (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of covetous

formal : feeling or showing a very strong desire for something that you do not have and especially for something that belongs to someone else

See the full definition for covetous in the English Language Learners Dictionary

covetous

adjective
cov·​et·​ous | \ ˈkÉ™-vÉ™t-É™s How to pronounce covetous (audio) \

Kids Definition of covetous

: having or showing too much desire for wealth or possessions or for something belonging to another person

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More from Merriam-Webster on covetous

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for covetous

Spanish Central: Translation of covetous

Nglish: Translation of covetous for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of covetous for Arabic Speakers

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