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
Dismantling these systems not only threatens health, but also undermines trust, often for reasons that have more to do with self-interest than science, with seeming imperviousness to the real costs in human lives lost.
—
Chelsea Clinton, Vanity Fair, 24 Feb. 2026
That approach has forced Canada and other medium-size nations to pursue the same transactional self-interest, Carney noted.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026
Individuality as defined in the Declaration of Independence is rational self-interest moderated by the demands of universal consent.
—Roger Van Zanen, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
Our history has repeatedly placed us at moral crossroads, asked to decide whether our freedom struggle aligns with broader visions of human dignity or retreats into narrower self-interest.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Chelsea Clinton, Vanity Fair, 24 Feb. 2026
That approach has forced Canada and other medium-size nations to pursue the same transactional self-interest, Carney noted.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026
Individuality as defined in the Declaration of Independence is rational self-interest moderated by the demands of universal consent.
—Roger Van Zanen, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
Our history has repeatedly placed us at moral crossroads, asked to decide whether our freedom struggle aligns with broader visions of human dignity or retreats into narrower self-interest.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
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And there is a selfishness in understanding that in your craft and your industry, this is a pinnacle.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Mar. 2026
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There are no casinos, no lotteries and no racetracks that allow bets, a prohibition rooted in the conservative ideals of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which views gambling as a vice that leads to selfishness and addiction.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Making the vanity the centerpiece of the bathroom can transform the space entires, often with just a simple can of paint.—
Lauren Jones,
The Spruce,
15 Mar. 2026
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Included in this suite is a spa-like primary bath with a soaking tub, stand-up shower, and two vanities.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Almost instantly, their approaches clash, egos collide, and sparks fly like Westside has never seen.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
10 Mar. 2026
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The 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante attracts attention, important for supercar buyers’ egos.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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This is different from egoism and self-centeredness.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-interest. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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