Definition of self-interestnext

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 Much of this was done with an American mixture of political self-interest and idealism. Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 Lost in all of the self-interest is the only thing that horse racing has going for it. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026 Yet Smith never treated short-term self-interest as the sole or overriding goal. Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Our own agenda, our own feelings, our own pride, our own self-interest. Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
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
Noun
  • What begins with the seeds of a vanity project organically blossoms into something that encompasses the many people Ryan’s life touches.
    Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Using information from witnesses and footage from Flock cameras, investigators identified the suspect vehicle as a gray Ford F-150 pickup truck with a California vanity license plate, Johnson said.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Critics would say ego, the desire to be an actor in the greatest show on earth.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The companies weren’t short of intelligence—they were overloaded with ego.
    Ricardo Bellino, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Kikuko sometimes mistook Shigejiro’s cheerfulness for egoism owing to the distortions produced by her illness.
    Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-interest. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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