Synonyms for

Envy

Verb / ˈenvi: / Another word for envy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck

Synonyms & similar words

Synonyms by register

Antonyms

Common collocations

  • green with envy
  • envy of the gods
  • bitter envy
  • consume with envy
  • mutual envy
  • envy and jealousy
  • covetous envy

Word family

noun envy
verb envy
adjective envious
adverb enviously

Usage note

Envy is the feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. While often used interchangeably with jealousy, envy specifically concerns desiring what another has, whereas jealousy typically involves a fear of losing something one already possesses to a rival.

Example sentences

  1. She felt envy when she saw her classmate's new shoes.
  2. He couldn't help but envy his sister's success.
  3. Envy is a negative emotion that can cause unhappiness.
  4. I try not to feel envy towards others and focus on my own goals.
  5. Her envy of her neighbor's beautiful garden made her feel sad.

Quotes

  • Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own. - Harold Coffin
  • Envy is the ulcer of the soul. - Socrates
  • Envy is a symptom of lack of appreciation of our own uniqueness and self-worth. Each of us has something to give that no one else has. - Elizabeth O'Connor

Try these popular words

Explore more words