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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Here, animals serve as vessels for our worst impulses, suffering at the point where curiosity turns to sadism, domination to cruelty, and self-interest to neglect.
—
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
Accounting for self-interest A second theme is the recognition of how human motivations interact with institutions.
—
Jordan Cash,
The Conversation,
8 June 2026
Otherwise, journalism may be perceived as misleading the audience, prompting people to turn to other sources of information that may be tainted by self-interest rather than public interest.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
28 May 2026
Call it enlightened self-interest.
—
Big Think,
7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
Accounting for self-interest A second theme is the recognition of how human motivations interact with institutions.
—
Jordan Cash,
The Conversation,
8 June 2026
Otherwise, journalism may be perceived as misleading the audience, prompting people to turn to other sources of information that may be tainted by self-interest rather than public interest.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
28 May 2026
Call it enlightened self-interest.
—
Big Think,
7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
-
Claire’s elective death therefore remains a problematic choice for some viewers, an act of vainglorious selfishness from a woman who was never terribly nice to begin with.
-
The adjectives used to describe vampire Lucy suggest monstrous selfishness.
Noun
-
Vintage Mirrors Layered on Surfaces Instead of hanging every mirror, try leaning a smaller antique mirror on a console, vanity, or shelf behind other objects.
-
The bathroom had a roomy tub, large shower, double vanity and very good lighting.
Noun
-
Instead of demanding personal fealty or humiliating them to assert personal dominance, Lincoln absorbed their egos and occasional slights, elevating their talents and turning his fiercest political adversaries into his most devoted champions.
-
Politics, Lander said, didn’t have to be a selfish endeavor driven by ego.
Noun
-
There was too much egoism politically for each country to be all together with a unique economy, language and president.
-
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.
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-interest. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
