as in selfishness
excessive interest in oneself
her degree of self-interest is perhaps best reflected in her favorite topic of conversation—herself
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-interest
This second theory has inspired lots of research in contemporary psychology, which often sees morality and self-interest as fundamentally opposed.
—
Michael Prinzing, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
Call it enlightened self-interest wrapped in black and gold.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
As Haiti approaches the end of another political transition without elections or a clear governing framework, the United Nations and other international partners are warning that political self-interest and infighting could further unravel an already fragile country.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
Standing up for traditional virtues — compassion, courage, and commitment to something larger than our own self-interest — and asserting that no one, particularly the president of the United States, stands above the law.
—Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Michael Prinzing, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
Call it enlightened self-interest wrapped in black and gold.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
As Haiti approaches the end of another political transition without elections or a clear governing framework, the United Nations and other international partners are warning that political self-interest and infighting could further unravel an already fragile country.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
Standing up for traditional virtues — compassion, courage, and commitment to something larger than our own self-interest — and asserting that no one, particularly the president of the United States, stands above the law.
—Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
-
The selfish tyrant attaches himself only to those others who share his selfishness, who are eager to wear the mask of perpetual lying.—
David Brooks,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
-
If not for Camilla, who’d gone out of her way to take Regina in, even letting her share the bedroom with her and Lalla, the others wouldn’t have welcomed her—not out of spite, no, because none of them were spiteful after all, but out of indifference, selfishness, plain and simple.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Clear bins on a bathroom vanity are ideal for daily-use items, which Wells suggests storing in the front, and extra or backup toiletries in the back.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The old icebox turned vanity is a gift from a friend.—
Wendy Goodman,
Curbed,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That set the stage for an epic clash of strategic visions and executive egos that culminated in the Disney board ousting Chapek in November 2022 and Iger reclaiming the CEO role.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2026
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The good news for voters otherwise predisposed to Abughazaleh is that there’s a youthful progressive candidate in the race with similar views but who comes with a record of service and without the ego.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
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
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This is different from egoism and self-centeredness.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-interest. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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