Avarice — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈa-və-rəs/ av·a·rice

Meaning & Definition of Avarice

Avarice (noun)

  1. excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or profit, greediness, cupidity

Avarice (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an intense selfish desire for wealth or possessions

    "the bank official's embezzlement was motivated by pure avarice"

    similar: acquisitiveness, avariciousness, avidity, avidness, covetousness, cupidity, graspingness, greed, greediness, mercenariness, rapaciousness, rapacity
    related: commercialism, materialism, possessiveness, gluttonousness, gluttony, piggishness, appetite, craving, desire, drive, hankering, hunger, itch, longing, lust, passion, pining, ravenousness, thirst, voracity, yearning, yen, egoism, egotism, self-centeredness, self-interest, selfishness, self-regard
    near: contentment, fulfillment, gratification, satisfaction, bounteousness, bountifulness, bounty, charity, generosity, generousness, largesse, liberality, magnanimity, openhandedness, openheartedness, unselfishness, altruism, selflessness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Avarice

The most common words with a similar meaning to Avarice:

acquisitiveness, avariciousness, avidity, avidness, covetousness, cupidity, graspingness, greed, greediness, mercenariness, rapaciousness, rapacity

Related Words for Avarice

commercialism, materialism, possessiveness, gluttonousness, gluttony, piggishness, appetite, craving, desire, drive, hankering, hunger, itch, longing, lust, passion, pining, ravenousness, thirst, voracity, yearning, yen, egoism, egotism, self-centeredness, self-interest, selfishness, self-regard

Near Antonyms of Avarice

contentment, fulfillment, gratification, satisfaction, bounteousness, bountifulness, bounty, charity, generosity, generousness, largesse, liberality, magnanimity, openhandedness, openheartedness, unselfishness, altruism, selflessness

Origin & Etymology of Avarice

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin avaritia, from avarus avaricious, from avēre to crave avid

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Avarice

Frequently Asked Questions about Avarice

What does "Avarice" mean?

"Avarice" means excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or profit, greediness, cupidity. As a noun, it is defined as: excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or profit, greediness, cupidity.

What is another word for "Avarice"?

Other words for "Avarice" include acquisitiveness, avariciousness, avidity, avidness, covetousness, cupidity, graspingness and greed. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Avarice" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Avarice"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Avarice". Common alternatives include acquisitiveness, avariciousness, avidity, avidness, covetousness, cupidity, graspingness, greed, greediness and mercenariness.

How do you use "Avarice" in a sentence?

Examples of "Avarice" in a sentence: "the bank official's embezzlement was motivated by pure avarice".

Is "Avarice" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Avarice" is a noun.

Is "Avarice" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Avarice" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Avarice"?

"Avarice" is pronounced /ˈa-və-rəs/ and divided into syllables as av·a·rice.

What is the origin of the word "Avarice"?

"Avarice" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin avaritia, from avarus avaricious, from avēre to crave avid. First known use: 13th century.