SELFISH Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

selfish

adjective

ˈsel-fish

Definition of selfish

as in egocentric

overly concerned with one's own desires, needs, or interests a selfish desire to succeed at the expense of others

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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 selfish This Fire sign reminds us that taking up space and being unapologetically yourself isn’t inherently selfish, and genuine self-expression can be incredibly brave. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 Skubal, who missed more than a month after eventually having surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow, mostly disagreed with public reaction painting him as greedy or selfish in not disclosing the strange feeling that had lingered in his arm. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Women are selfish, pundits argue, prioritizing their careers and personal happiness over having families. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 20 July 2026 Missing clubs, a broken hand, immense shame and embarrassment for a life’s worth of selfish choices — nothing can keep him off the course. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for selfish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for selfish

Adjective

This preemptive caretaking also prevents people from growing out of egocentric thinking.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
It is used in systems like EgoMimic and EMMA to train manipulation policies from egocentric human data.

— Rushil Agarwal, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of egocentric

Adjective

The titular gang comprises Mac (McElhenney), a closeted wannabe tough guy; the narcissistic prepster Dennis (Glenn Howerton); Dennis’s chronically unsure fraternal twin, Dee (Kaitlin Olson); and the bar’s buffoonish janitor, Charlie (Charlie Day).

— Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
On the first three seasons, Marchand played Tony’s narcissistic mother, Livia Soprano.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of narcissistic

Adjective

Even Republicans in Congress are now pushing back against some of his most outrageously self-interested moves.

— Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
For many leaders, the phrase conjures up whispered alliances, opportunistic loyalty, self-interested maneuvering and the slow poisoning of organizational culture.

— Harrison Monarth, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

Definition of self-interested

Adjective

Through remarkable archival footage and an incredible range of interviews, Monsters of God digs into the egotistical and ruthless mentalities that supported competing criminal empires and the undercover operations that dismantled them.

— Rory Doherty, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
Where some may see this behavior as vain or egotistical, others may perceive it as bold, self-assured and passionate.

— Mallorie Sullivan, USA Today, 20 July 2026

Definition of egotistic

Adjective

Wilson is right that Nolan’s movie lacks Odysseus’ egomaniacal brilliance.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
His insatiable desire to brand everything—from boats, to ballrooms, to bills—exceeds some of the most egomaniacal leaders in history, but these are not new qualities.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 20 May 2026