SELFINTERESTS Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

self-interest

noun

ˌself-ˈin-t(ə-)rəst

Definition of self-interest

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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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 In a congressional hearing in 2008, Greenspan famously admitted to being wrong about one of his core ideals after finding that banks, when left to their own self-interest, had not acted in a way that protected the market, themselves or their customers. — Dan Simms, USA Today, 26 June 2026 The friction is self-interest, which sucks its mite of kinetic energy from every turning gear. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 Hello and welcome to Regulator, an email for Verge subscribers about technology, politics, and what happens when science crashes headlong into self-interest. — Tina Nguyen, The Verge, 17 June 2026 Not Texas Tech, which is wrapping competitive self-interest in the language of compassion. — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-interest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest

Noun

Feelings from optimism to selfishness to lust are all neatly captured with song and dance.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026
After Portugal’s 1-1 tie against DR Congo, Henry explained the selfishness of Cristiano Ronaldo’s movement, not opening space for a teammate.

— Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 18 June 2026

Definition of selfishness

Noun

Visitors would find artifacts such as the candlestand, where Washington chose humility over ego and began the peaceful transfer of power.

— Lonnie G. Bunch III, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
The Aussie needed to have some amount of ego to achieve that confidence, something Wright didn’t have or realize.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

Definition of ego

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