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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-interest
Individuality as defined in the Declaration of Independence is rational self-interest moderated by the demands of universal consent.
—
Roger Van Zanen, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
Our history has repeatedly placed us at moral crossroads, asked to decide whether our freedom struggle aligns with broader visions of human dignity or retreats into narrower self-interest.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Each visit has been grounded in national economic self-interest, and while trust in China may be limited, reliance on Washington now feels less certain — more to the point, riskier.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
But even the fact that some of them are inspired to consider helping out makes for significant progress in a world that is governed by survivalism and animalistic self-interest.
—Jack King, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Roger Van Zanen, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
Our history has repeatedly placed us at moral crossroads, asked to decide whether our freedom struggle aligns with broader visions of human dignity or retreats into narrower self-interest.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Each visit has been grounded in national economic self-interest, and while trust in China may be limited, reliance on Washington now feels less certain — more to the point, riskier.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
But even the fact that some of them are inspired to consider helping out makes for significant progress in a world that is governed by survivalism and animalistic self-interest.
—Jack King, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
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This climactic collision is woven from several minor ethical tugs-of-war that rest on each character exhibiting both selfishness and altruism in various scenes, until their complicated humanity is placed under a harsh spotlight.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
21 Feb. 2026
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Jokic plays below the rim, accents the margins, makes the right play, everything that runs contrary to the selfishness rewarded in this exhibition.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Open the door to the Chamber, and you're faced with a sink, a vanity, two wardrobes, and two frosted-glass doors, behind which are a shower and a toilet.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
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But gone are the days when an effective routine also meant a cluttered bathroom vanity full of products—instead of needing multiple serums, sunscreens, and moisturizers to target different results, the latest products combine SPF and anti-aging effects all in one.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The true implications of the blast marks on Russia's rocketry ego remained vague.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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In a way, their books are about male ego.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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 9 Mar. 2026.
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