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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of self-interest 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 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 See All Example Sentences for self-interest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest

Noun

While Lindsay and Josh spiral down the dark abscesses of their own selfishness, the chairwoman embarks on her own damage control.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
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