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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-interest
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
Standing up for traditional virtues — compassion, courage, and commitment to something larger than our own self-interest — and asserting that no one, particularly the president of the United States, stands above the law.
—Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
This is the lesson of the prisoner’s dilemma, a classic game theory puzzle demonstrating how cooperation and self-interest often clash.
—James L. Whiteside, STAT, 2 Jan. 2026
Love is the very essence of Jesus Christ, and that causes leaders to put people over political parties and self-interests.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
Standing up for traditional virtues — compassion, courage, and commitment to something larger than our own self-interest — and asserting that no one, particularly the president of the United States, stands above the law.
—Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
This is the lesson of the prisoner’s dilemma, a classic game theory puzzle demonstrating how cooperation and self-interest often clash.
—James L. Whiteside, STAT, 2 Jan. 2026
Love is the very essence of Jesus Christ, and that causes leaders to put people over political parties and self-interests.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
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The selfish tyrant attaches himself only to those others who share his selfishness, who are eager to wear the mask of perpetual lying.—
David Brooks,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
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If not for Camilla, who’d gone out of her way to take Regina in, even letting her share the bedroom with her and Lalla, the others wouldn’t have welcomed her—not out of spite, no, because none of them were spiteful after all, but out of indifference, selfishness, plain and simple.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Posing on top of an antique vanity and inside a wooden cabinet, Bieber cycled through a parade of sheer lace, see-through mesh, and strappy designs in shades of red, black, pink, and cream.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
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Store liquids—such as lotion, makeup, perfumes, and skincare—on a tray to protect your vanity table or bathroom cabinet.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Exceptional leadership doesn’t come from theatrics or titles, but from choosing presence over distraction, courage over comfort, and curiosity over ego.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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Tariffs, conquests; all are subverted to this man’s ego.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 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 27 Jan. 2026.
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