avarice
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of avarice
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin avāritia, equivalent to avār(us) “greedy” + -itia -ice
Explanation
Avarice is a fancy word for good old-fashioned greed. It's one of what some call "the seven deadly sins." Do you want more and more money? Or cookies? Or video games? Or anything? Then your heart is full of avarice, which you probably know better as greed. When people talk about greed, it's clearly not a good thing, but avarice has an even worse flavor to it. Avarice is often looked upon as a sin, and it's always considered despicable and evil.
Vocabulary lists containing avarice
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "A"
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A Christmas Carol
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He preaches selfishness instead of selflessness, avarice instead of charity and going after the least of us instead of raising them up.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
The death of a British teen reveals a bizarre tale of avarice and deception.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 11, 2026
But some of the most striking examples are not of intentional cruelty or blatant avarice but of simple blind spots.
From Salon ● Dec. 31, 2024
Walsh’s attorneys said in a court filing that he wasn’t motivated by avarice, but desperation.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 9, 2023
"My father is the soul of avarice, and my sweet sister Cersei lusts for power with every waking breath. I, however, am innocent as a little lamb. Shall I bleat for you?"
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
