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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Recent Examples of self-interest
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
But the challenge in all three April meetings will be to embrace the collaborative spirit for the wider good of the sport, rather than letting self-interest or competitive paranoia get in the way.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
The behavior suggests bots may act not from a place of mere self-interest, but with awareness that the bot’s own shutdown would be detrimental to a peer AI, which strengthened motivation to defy user requests.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Believes in being a team player A sign of a potentially good parent is someone who puts their self-interests aside and focuses on the well-being of others, says Chicvak.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Rebecca Boyle, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
But the challenge in all three April meetings will be to embrace the collaborative spirit for the wider good of the sport, rather than letting self-interest or competitive paranoia get in the way.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
The behavior suggests bots may act not from a place of mere self-interest, but with awareness that the bot’s own shutdown would be detrimental to a peer AI, which strengthened motivation to defy user requests.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Believes in being a team player A sign of a potentially good parent is someone who puts their self-interests aside and focuses on the well-being of others, says Chicvak.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
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Shooting the final sequence from Cassie’s point of view was a last-minute adjustment, which Levinson made the day of filming to emphasize Cassie’s narcissism and selfishness.—
Zoe Papelis,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2026
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The doctor further explained that the traits of a narcissist encompass low empathy, arrogance, entitlement, grandiosity and pathological selfishness.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The elevated bamboo design looks sleek in any space, whether used as a writing desk, makeup vanity, or side table, and has earned numerous five-star ratings for its sturdiness, quality, and ease of assembly.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Apr. 2026
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There’s space to spread out, too, with notably generous layouts and extra-large bathroom vanities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And since all seven of us have had a solo career, everyone’s individual ego is stronger now.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
19 Apr. 2026
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Mulligan, who similarly usually gives off a warm presence onscreen, is icy and sharp here, her Lindsay stuck up and miserable in the life she's made for herself but completely trapped by her own ego and selfishness.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 2026.
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