self-absorbed
adjective
self-ab·sorbed
ˌself-əb-ˈsȯrbd 
-ˈzȯrbd
: absorbed in one's own thoughts, activities, or interests
Synonyms
Examples of self-absorbed in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In short order and in this bucolic setting, Leon proves to be an irritable jerk: self-absorbed, painfully insecure, perpetually annoyed, snobbish, and at times reflexively cruel.
—
Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 14 July 2023
However, these terms are often used with a note of derision, applied to someone who is self-absorbed.
—Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 2 June 2023
My sibling is loving, kind and generous — as well as self-absorbed.
—Haben Kelati, Washington Post, 10 May 2023
Those today with the best levels of executive presence are not self-absorbed.
—Adrian Gostick, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023
Double-dealing, self-absorbed and relentlessly ambitious, the most prominent of them were usually appalling.
—Catherine Ostler, WSJ, 24 Mar. 2023
People throw around the term loosely to describe those who are self-absorbed, entitled and manipulative – from overbearing parents to destructive exes.
—Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2023
If someone calls you self-absorbed, consider whether that person has a point or is projecting their own insecurities.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2023
Howie’s mental meanderings are maniacally self-absorbed in a way Castro’s narrator worries is true of his own roiling, recursive thoughts.
—Nathan Goldman, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2023
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Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 14 July 2023
However, these terms are often used with a note of derision, applied to someone who is self-absorbed.
—Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 2 June 2023
My sibling is loving, kind and generous — as well as self-absorbed.
—Haben Kelati, Washington Post, 10 May 2023
Those today with the best levels of executive presence are not self-absorbed.
—Adrian Gostick, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023
Double-dealing, self-absorbed and relentlessly ambitious, the most prominent of them were usually appalling.
—Catherine Ostler, WSJ, 24 Mar. 2023
People throw around the term loosely to describe those who are self-absorbed, entitled and manipulative – from overbearing parents to destructive exes.
—Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2023
If someone calls you self-absorbed, consider whether that person has a point or is projecting their own insecurities.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2023
Howie’s mental meanderings are maniacally self-absorbed in a way Castro’s narrator worries is true of his own roiling, recursive thoughts.
—Nathan Goldman, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-absorbed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1796, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to self-absorbed
Dictionary Entries Near self-absorbed
Cite this Entry
“Self-absorbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-absorbed. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.
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