self-preoccupation

noun

ˌself-(ˌ)prē-ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce self-preoccupation (audio)
Definition of self-preoccupationnext
as in selfness
excessive interest in oneself the smug self-preoccupation of a generation that had grown up experiencing nothing but affluence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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-preoccupation The feeling of awe provides perspective and reduces self-preoccupation. — Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2026 Playwright Yasmina Reza’s middle-class cast of four brew, and gleefully quaff, an amoral spew of modern age self-preoccupation. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 2 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-preoccupation
  1. selfishness
  2. vanity
  3. ego
Noun
  • Cook argues this creates an unintentional selfishness, in which your anxious thoughts distract you from noticing what’s actually going on with the people around you.
    — Hannah Harper, HEALTH, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Sieler’s selfishness, in this sense his ability to get sacks himself, might be best for the team.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of selfishness
Noun
  • The bathroom brings that rich blue into focus with its gilded vanity and various textures.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Nine-foot stainless-steel screens, originally designed to keep fish from swimming into dams, were reshaped into curved, airfoil-like vanity doors.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of vanity
Noun
  • The fact that both quarterbacks checked their ego at the door has impressed North Stars coach Rob Pomazak.
    — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes, even when the prosecutor involved almost certainly knows something other than justice is in the works, there is a momentum of ego and bureaucracy that is hard to reverse.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ego

Browse Nearby Words

self-possession
self-preoccupation
self-preoccupied
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-preoccupation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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