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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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 Characters make choices that go against their own self-interest. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 July 2026 Life, people, and spirit teach us to replace self-interest and self-sufficiency with interdependency, service, and self-sacrifice. — Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026 Each saw human nature as susceptible to corruption by base impulses and self-interest. — Donovan Fifield, The Conversation, 16 July 2026 Of course, shepherding a smooth labor transition is in Silicon Valley’s self-interest. — Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-interest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest

Noun

Sieler’s selfishness, in this sense his ability to get sacks himself, might be best for the team.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Defeating the dragon and reclaiming the treasure represents the restoration of order and the triumph of generosity over selfishness.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

Definition of selfishness

Noun

This, in turn, resulted in a bathroom remodel because the entire two-sink vanity needed to be replaced.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Leo is the hype friend of the zodiac, encouraging us to be proud and confident in ourselves — not from a place of vanity but from genuine self-respect.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

But what really interested us with this movie was trying to understand the humanity and searching for and exploring the love and the loyalty to characters to have a dialogue with an audience and not do it for the sake of ego or shock.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026
In a day when outsized egos rule the sports landscape, Harvey is humble, upbeat and engaging.

— Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of ego

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