SELF-INTEREST Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

self-interest

noun

ˌself-ˈin-t(ə-)rəst

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 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 Each visit has been grounded in national economic self-interest, and while trust in China may be limited, reliance on Washington now feels less certain — more to the point, riskier. —

Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026 But even the fact that some of them are inspired to consider helping out makes for significant progress in a world that is governed by survivalism and animalistic self-interest. —

Jack King, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-interest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest

Noun

This climactic collision is woven from several minor ethical tugs-of-war that rest on each character exhibiting both selfishness and altruism in various scenes, until their complicated humanity is placed under a harsh spotlight.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
Jokic plays below the rim, accents the margins, makes the right play, everything that runs contrary to the selfishness rewarded in this exhibition.

— Troy Renck, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026