materialistic

adjective

Definition of materialisticnext
as in mercenary
having or marked by interest in material possessions as opposed to intellectual or spiritual things His essay criticises the materialistic culture of today's world.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of materialistic More involved in things that aren’t materialistic. — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026 Heather is accused of hiding behind her humor, Lisa of hiding behind materialistic things, and Angie of hiding behind her sharp tongue, for example. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026 Some religious leaders put the blame on mobile devices that can lead young people to choose more materialistic pursuits. — Avedis Hadjian, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Jan. 2026 Far too many became trapped in a materialistic outlook where success was based on acquiring wealth. — Jane Goodall, Time, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for materialistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for materialistic
  1. mercenary
  2. superficial
  3. greedy
Adjective
  • Now, with one-year mercenary players plus rapid roster turnover, the first game deters even the most addicted sports gambler.
    — Mac Engel July 28, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
  • But after Richard’s death, his mercenary captain and right-hand man, the infamous Mercadier, had Basile flayed alive and hanged.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of mercenary
Adjective
  • The teen's father also has a superficial wound on his hands and has been taken to a hospital, Bradshaw said.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Ultimately, giving employees back their time through initiatives like four-day workweeks is becoming the ultimate luxury, reflecting a shift towards truly valuing employee well-being over superficial office fun.
    — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of superficial
Adjective
  • The show finds ways to expose the worst in its characters, their pettiest, most vengeful, greediest parts.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • As a counteroffer, Ormund dangles Driftmark in front of Ulf’s greedy eyes.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of greedy

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Cite this Entry

“Materialistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/materialistic. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on materialistic

Nglish: Translation of materialistic for Spanish Speakers

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