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 How corporations, in self-interest and self-greed, are bending at the knee to please our rulers? Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025 The incumbent president is unique for his sharp, loose tongue and shameless pursuit of his self-interest, yes. Isaac Schorr, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025 At times, the longing can feel insatiable, and can force people to act in ways that are entirely against their own self-interest. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 1 Aug. 2025 Its creation reflected not just morality, but also the practical fears and self-interests of nations. Stephen Herzog, The Conversation, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
  • Belly snaps at Taylor for her TikTok therapy and her selfishness, at which point Steven bursts in to defend Taylor and announce that Jere’s back.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • And now, his selfishness might cost their family that clan.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • On the surface, vanity PR may look good.
    Jenna Guarneri, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The report suggests there could also be other operating issues with the vehicle's DC/AC inverter, glove box light, vanity lights, dome lamps, alarm portion of the horn, rear defrost, or the USB charger.
    James Powel, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There are moments, of course, especially with characters like Ken (Tim Key), a middle manager with an outsized ego who routinely makes a mess of things, but tonally this is a very different show than its predecessor.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Children being raised in different homes can still have positive outcomes if both parents are willing to put their egos aside and do the self-work needed to show up as the healthy adults their kids deserve.
    Essence, Essence, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This is different from egoism and self-centeredness.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • In advance of the ceremony, the finalists were asked an essential question: Orwell claimed that prose writers have four ‘great motivations’ (putting aside the need to earn a living): sheer egoism; aesthetic enthusiasm; historical impulse; and political purpose.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-interest. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on self-interest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!