SELF-PREOCCUPATION Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

self-preoccupation

noun

ˌself-(ˌ)prē-ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən

as in selfness

excessive interest in oneself the smug self-preoccupation of a generation that had grown up experiencing nothing but affluence

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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

Noun

But Vicki’s insufferable attitude is nothing compared to Lisa’s selfishness by the end of the episode.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Timidity dissolves into might, selfishness gives place to broad-reaching love, incompetence is replaced with obedience to God’s perfect direction.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of selfishness

Noun

My suite was beyond spacious, with a full entryway with desk and wetbar giving way to a seating area; large, plush bed; then a closet and vanity area leading into a massive bathroom—which had a full soaking tub and two pedestal sinks.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
HomePop Clover Shaped Ottoman A decorative pouf can wear many hats—vanity seating, an extra chair for company, or even a foot stool in lieu of a chaise.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

For Weinberg, learning from those failures requires putting ego aside and taking an honest look at what went wrong—and what worked.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
His ego is in exact inverse proportion to Ilya’s, which is part of what makes Garfield and Borisov play so beautifully off each other.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of ego

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self-possession

self-preoccupation

self-preoccupied

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“Self-preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-preoccupation. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-preoccupation

noun

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