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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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
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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
Noun
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This produced a 1-inch overhang on the front and left side of the vanity cabinet.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
21 Mar. 2026
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The tale warned the Greeks about the dangers of vanity.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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So once again, fueled by an ego as big as his wallet, Wilson, 77, may be gearing up for another run.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
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Rather than have their payroll and egos be kindling for clubhouse dysfunction, the Dodgers have found a formula to keep their winning ways going.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
25 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 26 Mar. 2026.
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