Sometimes people want more than they need. This feeling is called greed. A greedy person might want extra food, more toys, or lots of money even if they already have enough. We see greed in stories, in movies, and sometimes even in real life. Writers use similes to help us picture what greed looks like.
Similes compare things using “like” or “as.” They make writing easier to understand and more fun to read. In this article, you will learn similes that describe greed. These similes will help you think about what it means to always want more and never feel full. Let’s explore how language can show us what greed looks like.
Similes for Greed
1. As greedy as a pig
Meaning: Always wants more, especially food
Within a Sentence: He grabbed all the cookies like he was as greedy as a pig. / She filled her plate like she hadn’t eaten in days.
In Other Words: He took way more than he needed. / She wanted it all for herself.
2. Like a vacuum sucking up everything
Meaning: Takes everything without stopping
Within a Sentence: He was like a vacuum sucking up all the candy. / She cleaned out the toy box like a vacuum.
In Other Words: He took all the candy fast. / She didn’t leave anything for others.
3. As hungry as a bear at a picnic
Meaning: Acts like nothing can fill them up
Within a Sentence: He was as hungry as a bear at a picnic, taking three burgers. / She grabbed snacks like a bear after a long sleep.
In Other Words: Took too much food. / Was eating more than needed.
4. Like a dragon guarding treasure
Meaning: Doesn’t want to share
Within a Sentence: He sat like a dragon guarding treasure, not letting anyone near his toys. / She kept the candies to herself like a dragon with gold.
In Other Words: Didn’t share. / Was too protective.
5. As selfish as a cat with a toy
Meaning: Wants everything for themselves
Within a Sentence: She was as selfish as a cat with a toy, not letting others play. / He wouldn’t let anyone use the crayons.
In Other Words: Only thought of himself. / Didn’t want to share.
6. Like a magnet pulling in money
Meaning: Always wants more money
Within a Sentence: He was like a magnet pulling in money, asking for more chores just to earn more. / She wanted extra allowance every week.
In Other Words: Wanted to collect more. / Never had enough.
7. As clingy as gum on a shoe
Meaning: Holds on and won’t let go
Within a Sentence: He was as clingy as gum on a shoe with his candy bag. / She wouldn’t let go of the remote.
In Other Words: Held tight to things. / Didn’t want to share or give up.
8. Like a squirrel hoarding nuts
Meaning: Stores too much for themselves
Within a Sentence: She was like a squirrel hoarding nuts with Halloween candy. / He hid toys under his bed.
In Other Words: Kept too much. / Didn’t share.
9. As eager as a dog at dinner
Meaning: Wants something too badly
Within a Sentence: He was as eager as a dog at dinner for his turn in the game. / She jumped in line first every time.
In Other Words: Rushed to be first. / Couldn’t wait.
10. Like a black hole that keeps taking
Meaning: Never full, always wanting more
Within a Sentence: Her greed was like a black hole that keeps taking. / He wanted more video games even with five already.
In Other Words: Always wanted more. / Wasn’t satisfied.
11. As pushy as a kid in a candy line
Meaning: Always wants to be first
Within a Sentence: He was as pushy as a kid in a candy line, cutting ahead. / She shoved past everyone for the best seat.
In Other Words: Didn’t wait. / Wanted the best for herself.
12. Like a sponge soaking up everything
Meaning: Takes all they can
Within a Sentence: He was like a sponge soaking up all the attention. / She wanted every prize at the party.
In Other Words: Took more than needed. / Wanted it all.
13. As sneaky as a raccoon in a trash can
Meaning: Takes things without being noticed
Within a Sentence: She was as sneaky as a raccoon in a trash can when she grabbed the last cookie. / He took all the pencils without asking.
In Other Words: Took secretly. / Didn’t ask first.
14. Like a kid in a toy store with no rules
Meaning: Grabs everything they see
Within a Sentence: He acted like a kid in a toy store with no rules. / She wanted every stuffed animal.
In Other Words: Wanted too much. / Didn’t stop.
15. As fast as a fox stealing food
Meaning: Takes things quickly for themselves
Within a Sentence: She was as fast as a fox stealing food at lunch. / He swiped the last slice of pizza.
In Other Words: Took fast. / Didn’t share.
16. Like a kid grabbing birthday presents
Meaning: Excited and greedy
Within a Sentence: He was like a kid grabbing birthday presents even the ones not his. / She reached for every gift on the table.
In Other Words: Didn’t wait her turn. / Wanted too much.
17. As needy as a baby with candy
Meaning: Acts like they always need more
Within a Sentence: He was as needy as a baby with candy, begging for more. / She cried for another snack right after lunch.
In Other Words: Never satisfied. / Wanted more.
18. Like a crab clutching food
Meaning: Holds tight and won’t let go
Within a Sentence: She was like a crab clutching food during lunch. / He wouldn’t pass the toy to anyone.
In Other Words: Grabbed and held tight. / Refused to share.
19. As greedy as a pirate with gold
Meaning: Loves treasure too much
Within a Sentence: He was as greedy as a pirate with gold, keeping all his money hidden. / She didn’t even give a penny to help.
In Other Words: Loved keeping stuff. / Didn’t give any.
20. Like a robot built to collect
Meaning: Never stops grabbing more
Within a Sentence: She moved like a robot built to collect, picking up every sticker. / He kept asking for more toys.
In Other Words: Always wanted more. / Didn’t stop.
21. As tight as a locked treasure chest
Meaning: Doesn’t open or share
Within a Sentence: He was as tight as a locked treasure chest with his toys. / She didn’t let anyone touch her books.
In Other Words: Didn’t share. / Kept everything to herself.
22. Like a crow chasing shiny things
Meaning: Wants whatever looks nice
Within a Sentence: She was like a crow chasing shiny things at the fair. / He grabbed all the cool pencils first.
In Other Words: Wanted anything fancy. / Took it fast.
23. As silent as a shadow when taking things
Meaning: Takes without being noticed
Within a Sentence: He was as silent as a shadow when taking the cookies. / She tiptoed to the gift table alone.
In Other Words: Took quietly. / Didn’t ask.
24. Like a snowball growing bigger and bigger
Meaning: Keeps collecting more and more
Within a Sentence: Her greed was like a snowball growing bigger. / He just wanted more, even with his hands full.
In Other Words: Never stopped wanting. / Got more than needed.
25. As busy as a bee in a candy shop
Meaning: Always looking for something to take
Within a Sentence: He was as busy as a bee in a candy shop, grabbing left and right. / She darted around the table for sweets.
In Other Words: Moved fast. / Took many things.
26. Like a king who wants everything
Meaning: Feels like they should own it all
Within a Sentence: He acted like a king who wants everything. / She pointed at every toy and said, “Mine.”
In Other Words: Thought everything was for them. / Didn’t share.
27. As loud as thunder when asking for more
Meaning: Demands more, loudly
Within a Sentence: She was as loud as thunder asking for more cake. / He yelled for another turn right away.
In Other Words: Spoke loudly to get more. / Didn’t wait.
28. Like a pack of wolves at dinner
Meaning: Takes everything fast
Within a Sentence: They acted like a pack of wolves at dinner, gobbling everything. / He didn’t leave a slice for anyone.
In Other Words: Took everything quickly. / Didn’t think of others.
29. As deep as a well that’s never full
Meaning: Can’t be satisfied
Within a Sentence: His wants were as deep as a well. / She kept asking for more even with full hands.
In Other Words: Never happy with what they had.
30. Like a fish that never stops eating
Meaning: Keeps taking more
Within a Sentence: He was like a fish that never stops eating, munching through the snacks. / She filled her plate again and again.
In Other Words: Didn’t stop eating. / Wanted it all.
31. As wild as a raccoon in a lunch bag
Meaning: Grabs things fast and messy
Within a Sentence: He was as wild as a raccoon in a lunch bag. / She made a mess trying to get the first slice.
In Other Words: Took quickly. / Didn’t wait or ask.
32. Like a bulldozer pushing through a sale
Meaning: Pushes to get more
Within a Sentence: She was like a bulldozer at the toy sale. / He shoved ahead to get the best prize.
In Other Words: Didn’t care about others. / Wanted more.
33. As rough as a kid fighting for candy
Meaning: Acts selfish and wild
Within a Sentence: He was as rough as a kid fighting for candy at a party. / She pulled the toy from someone else.
In Other Words: Took by force. / Was greedy.
34. Like a mouse hiding cheese
Meaning: Hides things for themselves
Within a Sentence: She was like a mouse hiding cheese under her bed. / He stuffed the cookies into his drawer.
In Other Words: Took and hid it. / Didn’t share.
35. As full as a backpack but still wanting more
Meaning: Never enough, even with plenty
Within a Sentence: His bag was full, but he still asked for more. / She kept taking even when her hands were full.
In Other Words: Never satisfied.
36. Like a game hogging all the turns
Meaning: Won’t let others play
Within a Sentence: He was like a game hogging all the turns. / She didn’t let anyone else have a try.
In Other Words: Kept it for herself. / Didn’t share fun.
37. As cold as ice when sharing
Meaning: Refuses to share
Within a Sentence: She was as cold as ice when asked for a piece. / He said “no” and turned away.
In Other Words: Didn’t care about others.
38. Like a bag that always has room for more
Meaning: Never full
Within a Sentence: His lunchbox was like a bag that always had room for more snacks. / She kept adding toys to her pile.
In Other Words: Always took more.
39. As quick as a flash when grabbing things
Meaning: Grabs fast
Within a Sentence: He was as quick as a flash when he saw the cookies. / She snatched the last donut before anyone else.
In Other Words: Took fast. / Didn’t wait.
40. Like a vending machine that never stops
Meaning: Always giving to themselves
Within a Sentence: He was like a vending machine, giving himself more and more treats. / She wanted something new every hour.
In Other Words: Constantly wants more.
41. As sneaky as a kid in a cookie jar
Meaning: Takes what they shouldn’t
Within a Sentence: She was as sneaky as a kid in a cookie jar. / He took all the candies when no one was looking.
In Other Words: Took in secret.
42. Like a train that never stops for others
Meaning: Moves without thinking about anyone
Within a Sentence: He was like a train that didn’t stop for others. / She took all the glue and markers.
In Other Words: Selfish actions. / Ignored others.
43. As full as a closet packed with more to come
Meaning: Already has a lot but still wants more
Within a Sentence: Her closet was full, but she wanted more shoes. / He had many games but asked for more.
In Other Words: Never enough.
44. Like a balloon filled with wants
Meaning: So greedy it might burst
Within a Sentence: He was like a balloon filled with wants. / She wanted everything in the catalog.
In Other Words: Had too many wants.
45. As hungry as a monster in a bakery
Meaning: Wants it all, fast
Within a Sentence: She was as hungry as a monster in a bakery. / He reached for every donut.
In Other Words: Wanted everything.
46. Like a spider trapping all the good stuff
Meaning: Grabs and keeps it all
Within a Sentence: He was like a spider with all the new toys. / She didn’t let go of anything she liked.
In Other Words: Hoarded things.
47. As bold as a thief in daylight
Meaning: Greedy without hiding
Within a Sentence: He was as bold as a thief in daylight, taking the biggest slice. / She asked for more even after taking too much.
In Other Words: Didn’t care what others thought.
48. Like a squirrel with too many acorns
Meaning: Collects more than needed
Within a Sentence: She acted like a squirrel with too many acorns. / He didn’t even use what he took.
In Other Words: Took too much.
49. As stubborn as a locked gate
Meaning: Won’t give or share
Within a Sentence: He was as stubborn as a locked gate with his markers. / She wouldn’t pass the ball.
In Other Words: Refused to share.
50. Like a hand that grabs and never lets go
Meaning: Won’t return or give back
Within a Sentence: Her hand was like one that never let go of the prize. / He wouldn’t give back the controller.
In Other Words: Held tight. / Greedy grip.
51. As messy as a feast with one person
Meaning: Took everything and left a mess
Within a Sentence: He made a mess like a feast for one. / She took snacks like it was all hers.
In Other Words: Took too much and made it messy.
52. Like a puzzle missing all the pieces because one person took them
Meaning: Took what should be shared
Within a Sentence: She took every piece like a puzzle hoarder. / He didn’t let others play.
In Other Words: Kept things others needed.
53. As tight as a sealed jar
Meaning: Won’t open or give out
Within a Sentence: His hand was as tight as a sealed jar with his toys. / She wouldn’t let go of the book.
In Other Words: Refused to share.
54. Like a storm that sweeps away everything
Meaning: Takes all that’s around
Within a Sentence: He was like a storm sweeping through the candy bowl. / She left nothing for the rest.
In Other Words: Took it all.
55. As picky as a shopper with everything
Meaning: Still complains and wants better
Within a Sentence: She had everything but still asked for something else. / He wanted a newer version of his toy.
In Other Words: Wanted more, even when full.
56. Like a hand always reaching
Meaning: Always trying to grab
Within a Sentence: His hand was always reaching for more snacks. / She kept asking for more stickers.
In Other Words: Constantly grabbing.
57. As wild as a storm during lunch
Meaning: Takes food in a loud, messy way
Within a Sentence: He was as wild as a storm at the lunch table. / She grabbed cookies like a tornado.
In Other Words: Took things fast and loud.
58. Like a trap that never lets go
Meaning: Never gives up what it gets
Within a Sentence: His grip on the prize was like a trap. / She held the stuffed animal all day.
In Other Words: Held on greedily.
59. As loud as a bell ringing for more
Meaning: Always asking loudly
Within a Sentence: She was as loud as a bell yelling for more candy. / He kept shouting for another turn.
In Other Words: Didn’t stop asking.
60. Like a never-ending list of wants
Meaning: Always wants something
Within a Sentence: Her wish list was like it never ended. / He had more things written down than could fit.
In Other Words: Too many wants.
Similes for Greed – True/False Quiz
Read each sentence carefully. Decide if the simile shows greed. Write True or False.
- Saying “He was like a dragon guarding treasure” means he didn’t want to share.
- “She was as quick as a flash grabbing the last toy” shows she was careful and slow.
- “He acted like a king who wants everything” means he wanted to share everything.
- “She was like a squirrel hiding all the candy” means she saved it for herself.
- “His hands were always reaching” means he didn’t want anything more.
- “She was as sneaky as a raccoon in a trash can” means she took something quietly.
- “He was as busy as a bee helping others” shows he was being greedy.
- “Her wish list was like a never-ending list of wants” means she kept wanting more.
- “He shared like a squirrel in winter” means he gave everything away.
- “She was as stubborn as a locked gate with her toys” means she refused to share.
- “He acted like a sponge soaking up praise” means he took all the credit.
- “She was as loud as a bell asking for more cake” means she wanted more.
- “He was like a snowball growing bigger” shows he kept taking more.
- “She was as cold as ice when someone asked to share” means she was kind.
- “He was like a storm sweeping through the lunch line” means he took everything fast.
Answer Key
- True
- False
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
Scoring Guide
- 15 Correct Answers: Similes Master!
- 10–14 Correct Answers: You really get Similes, nice work!
- 6–9 Correct Answers: You’re learning, keep going!
- 0–5 Correct Answers: Let’s learn about Similes together!
Conclusion
Greed is when someone wants more than they need. We can show this using similes. These similes help us picture how greed looks, sounds, or feels. Saying someone is “like a dragon with treasure” or “as hungry as a bear at a picnic” tells us more than just saying they are greedy.
By learning these similes, you can write and speak in a clearer and more fun way. You’ll notice them in books, stories, or maybe even around you. Keep practicing, and soon, you’ll use them with ease.
