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
Supporting the Iranians is in our self-interest.
—
Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
As with so much about college football, where self-interest reigns and sanity is scarce, the outcome isn’t ideal but could have been much, much worse.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
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
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
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
As with so much about college football, where self-interest reigns and sanity is scarce, the outcome isn’t ideal but could have been much, much worse.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
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
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
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
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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
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While lambasting Menendez Abdala for her selfishness, Freire also blasted her family members — and her former cop boyfriend — who helped her flee to Mexico.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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If there’s not enough space in your vanity to keep the counter clear, a storage cabinet is a great way to keep daily items accessible.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
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So, roughly $300 billion – a 7% gap – separates these three countries from California on this vanity scoreboard.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Trump’s ego can take only so much criticism.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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Time draws these kids osmotically through a membrane, turning them into things like us, adults captured by the brittle carapaces of our egos.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 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 18 Feb. 2026.
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