“jealous”

Feeling discontent or resentful longing aroused by another's possessions, qualities, or luck.

“She cast an envious glance at her colleague's corner office, then returned to her cubicle in silence.”

Best for: A cleaner, slightly more precise alternative to jealous; works in most registers.

Yearningly desirous of something belonging to another, often with a possessive hunger.

“He ran covetous fingers along the spine of the first edition, knowing he could never afford it.”

Best for: Carries a moral or biblical weight; strong in literary or formal writing.

Consumed by jealousy, referencing Shakespeare's vivid metaphor for the emotion.

“The green-eyed part of her watched them laugh together and immediately invented a rivalry.”

Best for: Punchy and culturally resonant; great for casual prose or character description.

Likely to cause resentment or envy, or characterized by an unfair sense of rivalry.

“His invidious stare followed every promotion announcement like a shadow across the room.”

Best for: Slightly formal; best in literary fiction or precise nonfiction writing.

Of or relating to morbid, obsessive jealousy, especially in romantic contexts.

“His zelotypic suspicions turned every smile she gave a stranger into a confession of betrayal.”

Best for: Extremely rare clinical/archaic term; powerful in psychological or gothic writing.

Affected by bitterness, resentment, or envy that distorts one's perception of others.

“She viewed their happiness through a jaundiced eye, finding fault where there was none to find.”

Best for: Implies jealousy has curdled into cynicism; ideal for morally complex characters.