as in selfishness
excessive interest in oneself
her degree of self-interest is perhaps best reflected in her favorite topic of conversation—herself
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-interest
Beyond that, he’s motivated by pure self-interest.
—
Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
Yet a major part of these Indigenous values is the diminished role of the self and self-interest.
—Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2026
What’s more, in Florida, people too often maddeningly vote against their self-interest.
—Steve Bousquet, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
It is supposed to be the first ship in a flotilla that will carry economic development, national self-interests, and the yearning for scientific discovery to the moon.
—Rebecca Boyle, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
Yet a major part of these Indigenous values is the diminished role of the self and self-interest.
—Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2026
What’s more, in Florida, people too often maddeningly vote against their self-interest.
—Steve Bousquet, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
It is supposed to be the first ship in a flotilla that will carry economic development, national self-interests, and the yearning for scientific discovery to the moon.
—Rebecca Boyle, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
-
The adjectives used to describe vampire Lucy suggest monstrous selfishness.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 May 2026
-
Our policies have been defined more by optimism and generosity than by selfishness and cynicism.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The accompanying bathroom sports dual quartz vanities and an oversize porcelain shower topped by an arched clerestory window.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
-
Bathrooms are also adorned with Calacatta Viola marble vanities and white micro cement showers.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Assayas takes a cynical and clichéd view regarding temptation and corruption, worldly rewards of security and pleasure, even ego and pride, while having nothing to say about the transformations envisioned or the values embodied in the exercise of political authority.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
-
To be an athlete is to prove yourself constantly, to always be risking your ego and your body.—
Jade Chang,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
There was too much egoism politically for each country to be all together with a unique economy, language and president.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2026
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McGuane also reminded me that Hemingway was, to put it politely, a complicated personality, a domineering figure prone to brawling, affairs, and cask-strength egoism.—
Tyler Austin Harper,
The Atlantic,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-interest. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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