as in selfness
excessive interest in oneself
the novel's major characters all suffer from self-absorption, and they are every bit as insufferable as such people are in real life
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Recent Examples of self-absorption
Frost’s well is a modern version of Narcissus’ pool, and his poem is a meditation on self-absorption and its limits.
—
A.o. Scott, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
The romantic storyline represents uncharted territory for a character known more for self-absorption than self-reflection.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 Aug. 2025
Aaron Peck writes in the Times Literary Supplement, Published in 1869, Sentimental Education portrays the coming of age of its central character in the years before France’s Second Empire, an ironic hero whose self-absorption prevents him from any meaningful engagement in life.
—Diana Arterian
july 30, Literary Hub, 30 July 2025
When Your Greatest Strength Becomes Your Weakness Confidence is essential in leadership, but there's a fine line between self-assurance and self-absorption.
—Isabelita Castilho, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-absorption
A.o. Scott, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
The romantic storyline represents uncharted territory for a character known more for self-absorption than self-reflection.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 Aug. 2025
Aaron Peck writes in the Times Literary Supplement, Published in 1869, Sentimental Education portrays the coming of age of its central character in the years before France’s Second Empire, an ironic hero whose self-absorption prevents him from any meaningful engagement in life.
—Diana Arterian
july 30, Literary Hub, 30 July 2025
When Your Greatest Strength Becomes Your Weakness Confidence is essential in leadership, but there's a fine line between self-assurance and self-absorption.
—Isabelita Castilho, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-absorption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-absorption
Noun
-
These attacks are designed to divide us, to turn us towards cynicism and selfishness.—
Natalia Aristizabal,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
But becoming a parent doesn’t automatically remove ego or selfishness.—
Noah Galuten,
The Atlantic,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Posing on top of an antique vanity and inside a wooden cabinet, Bieber cycled through a parade of sheer lace, see-through mesh, and strappy designs in shades of red, black, pink, and cream.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Store liquids—such as lotion, makeup, perfumes, and skincare—on a tray to protect your vanity table or bathroom cabinet.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Knausgaard’s narcissism—let’s face it, a common trait in authors—steered him into a creative writing course taught by none other than eventual Nobel winner Jon Fosse, who delivered a scalding workshop critique that echoes in The School of Night.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The line between enlightenment and narcissism is razor thin.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
31 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Great art is impossible without some measure of ego.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Jan. 2026
-
But a talent for massaging egos is the most desirable strength.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-absorption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-absorption. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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