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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-interest
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
Nothing is inherently natural about self-interest, deregulation, or capital accumulation, even if Smith phrased it as such.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
The expansion of the humanitarian system was untidy and asymmetric, driven by the organizational self-interest of the bigger international NGOs and UN agencies involved in crisis response and their desire for greater market share.
—Time, 26 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
Nothing is inherently natural about self-interest, deregulation, or capital accumulation, even if Smith phrased it as such.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
The expansion of the humanitarian system was untidy and asymmetric, driven by the organizational self-interest of the bigger international NGOs and UN agencies involved in crisis response and their desire for greater market share.
—Time, 26 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
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While their energies differ, nearly all of them share the same basic drives (money, power, status) and the same fundamental flaws (greed, arrogance, selfishness).—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2026
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To take time out of one’s days or nights or weekends, to excuse oneself from family time, or time with friends, in order to write and think about one’s life, is an act of selfishness that is needed more now than ever.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The marble bathrooms offer plenty of room to stretch out, with double vanities, deep bathtubs, power showers, and thick terry cloth robes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Good said more companies are seeking fitness options in their buildings in the wake of the pandemic, and the development would have ample exercise equipment, upscale lockers, shower rooms, vanities and saunas.—
Madison Iszler,
San Antonio Express-News,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Watching a prodigy embarrass the world over 72 holes was riveting; equally captivating is following the same person be exposed by life, hubris and ego.—
Mac Engel
April 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
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Their iconic Full-On Plumping Lip Polish is designed to unleash your sexy alter-ego and stimulate your senses.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 2026.
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