as in selfness
excessive interest in oneself
the novel's major characters all suffer from self-absorption, and they are every bit as insufferable as such people are in real life
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-absorption
This self-absorption can lead to anxiety, research suggests, which prevents people from reaching out in the first place out of a fear of rejection.
—
Allie Volpe, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Her self-absorption at this critical juncture is exactly what Julien needed to hear to feel free to abandon ship.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2024
The biggest emotional gut punch comes not from anything that happens to Strings, but when Essie is predictably cast aside as yet another pawn in the crooner's game of high-minded self-absorption.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 21 Oct. 2024
Both behavioral traits share some core symptoms, including self-absorption, a high sense of self-importance, hostility, and a high sense of entitlement.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-absorption 
Allie Volpe, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Her self-absorption at this critical juncture is exactly what Julien needed to hear to feel free to abandon ship.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2024
The biggest emotional gut punch comes not from anything that happens to Strings, but when Essie is predictably cast aside as yet another pawn in the crooner's game of high-minded self-absorption.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 21 Oct. 2024
Both behavioral traits share some core symptoms, including self-absorption, a high sense of self-importance, hostility, and a high sense of entitlement.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-absorption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-absorption
Noun
-
Some view focusing on one’s goals with determination as an act of selfishness.—
William Jones,
USA TODAY,
18 Jan. 2025
-
To some city residents, the aggravating escapades became a symbol of selfishness in the social media era.—
Mike Baker,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The vanity table looks completely different now, as it has been restored and repainted to a mahogany color and given all-new brass finishes.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
-
Not only is her pick from the beloved legacy brand a staple in vanities everywhere, but the shade itself has its share of avid fans.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Southern Living,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Sweeney complicates these questions by letting audiences in on certain details other characters don’t know, asking us to root for someone whose profound loneliness and insecurity feeds an unhealthy narcissism (and whose constantly shifting likability Sweeney manages by playing that person himself).—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Patience is indeed a virtue, but a whiff of narcissism arises when commentators extoll it in others, like a husband praising an adoring wife.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
The New Yorker,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
On a team like this, with so many weapons and so many talented players, there is no room for ego.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Films follows Bradley Mack (Sutherland), a Hollywood action star with a bloated ego, who is blindsided when his iconic action franchise is abruptly canceled.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near self-absorption
Cite this Entry
“Self-absorption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-absorption. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share