OpenSynonym

jealous

/ˈdʒeləs/

ADJECTIVE

1. Feeling envy toward another person's advantages

Feeling resentful or unhappy because someone else possesses something desirable, achieves success, or enjoys an advantage that one wants.

1.1. Envious of another person's possessions or success

Feeling unhappy, resentful, or discontented because another person has something desirable, such as wealth, possessions, opportunities, or achievements.

Synonyms

  • envious
  • covetous
  • green-eyed
  • resentful
  • begrudging
  • grudging

Antonyms

Examples

  • He was jealous of his colleague's promotion.
  • She felt jealous when her friend bought a beautiful new house.

Related Words

  • envy
  • covetousness
  • resentment
  • rivalry
  • grudge
  • begrudgment

1.2. Resentful of another person's abilities or advantages

Feeling bitterness or resentment toward someone because of their talents, popularity, achievements, or favorable circumstances.

Synonyms

  • envious
  • resentful
  • begrudging
  • bitter
  • grudging
  • invidious

Antonyms

Examples

  • The jealous competitor could not accept her rival's success.
  • He became jealous of his brother's popularity.

Related Words

  • emulous
  • competitive
  • spiteful
  • rivalrous
  • bitterness

ADJECTIVE

2. Suspicious or fearful of losing someone's affection

Feeling distrustful, anxious, or resentful because of the fear that a loved one may give affection, attention, or loyalty to another person.

2.1. Fearful of romantic rivalry or infidelity

Feeling threatened or insecure because of a suspicion that one's romantic partner may be attracted to, emotionally involved with, or unfaithful with someone else.

Synonyms

  • suspicious
  • distrustful
  • mistrustful
  • possessive
  • insecure
  • green-eyed
  • overjealous

Antonyms

  • trusting
  • trustful
  • secure
  • confident
  • unjealous
  • unsuspicious

Examples

  • He became jealous whenever his girlfriend talked to her former boyfriend.
  • Her jealous husband constantly questioned her friendships.

Related Words

2.2. Possessive of someone's affection or attention

Wanting another person's attention, affection, or loyalty exclusively and feeling threatened when that attention is shared with others.

Synonyms

  • possessive
  • overprotective
  • territorial
  • controlling
  • protective

Antonyms

  • unpossessive
  • uncontrolling
  • trusting
  • unjealous

Examples

  • The child became jealous when his mother held the new baby.
  • She was jealous of the attention her best friend gave to other people.

Related Words

  • clingy
  • overprotective
  • attachment
  • exclusivity
  • dependency

ADJECTIVE

3. Vigilant or protective in guarding something valued

Showing intense concern, watchfulness, or devotion in protecting something or someone from loss, damage, interference, or misuse.

3.1. Protectively guarding something important

Showing strong concern and careful attention to preserving or protecting something considered valuable, such as one's rights, reputation, interests, or responsibilities.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The organization is jealous of its independence.
  • She remained jealous of her professional reputation and carefully guarded it.

Related Words