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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Recent Examples of self-interest
With so many voting for self-interest, there’s no reason to think any of this will change.
—
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2025
That’s easier said than done in today’s toxic political and media environment, in which demagoguery and naked self-interest too often win.
—Forrest Claypool, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
And ultimately, his own self-interest will always trump your feelings, priorities, and safety.
—Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 28 June 2025
Generosity is a virtue, but maintain a healthy self-interest.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2025
That’s easier said than done in today’s toxic political and media environment, in which demagoguery and naked self-interest too often win.
—Forrest Claypool, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
And ultimately, his own self-interest will always trump your feelings, priorities, and safety.
—Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 28 June 2025
Generosity is a virtue, but maintain a healthy self-interest.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
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Eventually, though, the depth and selfishness of corporate psychopathy in unchecked leadership positions can cost an organization the trust of its employees.—
Shawn Cole,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Speaking on ground where the Indonesian military had buried Timorese freedom fighters, Francis warned against the intrusion of Western liberal values that encourage materialism and selfishness.—
VICTOR GAETAN,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Accessibility and Sustainability Mii amo features one ADA-compliant 400-square-foot Casita, complete with a king-size bed, a roll-in shower, a tub with a permanent seat, and an accessible double vanity.—
Devorah Lev-Tov,
Travel + Leisure,
26 July 2025
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Distinctive elements: White oak vanity; brass fixtures; quartz countertops; Asian wallpaper.—
Lennie Omalza,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
Noun
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Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images/Getty Images Also read: Commanders Star WR Reacts to Ending Training Camp Holdout With countless people in and around the league trying to crown him the next big thing, Daniels' ego could have quickly inflated.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
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Tension could arise if egos clash, but underneath the surface, there’s an invitation to practice softness, to apologize without conditions, and to notice where control is getting in the way of genuine collaboration.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
27 July 2025
Noun
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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
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Trump’s slogans—America First and Make America Great Again—embody the essence of populism, namely using ideology to advance a political program that is morally unconstrained and driven by collective egoism.—
BÁLINT MADLOVICS,
Foreign Affairs,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-interest. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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