Definition of self-interestnext

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 Accounting for self-interest A second theme is the recognition of how human motivations interact with institutions. Jordan Cash, The Conversation, 8 June 2026 Otherwise, journalism may be perceived as misleading the audience, prompting people to turn to other sources of information that may be tainted by self-interest rather than public interest. Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026 Call it enlightened self-interest. Big Think, 7 May 2026 Our self-interest has usually been of the sensible sort. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
  • Claire’s elective death therefore remains a problematic choice for some viewers, an act of vainglorious selfishness from a woman who was never terribly nice to begin with.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2026
  • The adjectives used to describe vampire Lucy suggest monstrous selfishness.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • Quintrell is also a fan of color drenching—specifically, the trim and vanity.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
  • Bathrooms are large, with soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and double vanities, standard even in entry-level room categories.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Heightening the conflict is the fact that both the host and the guest are world-famous writers, each with a titanic ego.
    Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
  • In candid photos and videos shared on her Instagram Stories on June 7, Cuoco revealed that Matilda has embraced a Spider-Man alter-ego while showing off her mini-me’s tennis skills.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • There was too much egoism politically for each country to be all together with a unique economy, language and president.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2026
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-interest. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on self-interest

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster