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
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-interest
But there are barriers, including a lack of trust between nations and conflicting national self-interest.
—
Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2025
Trump’s actions sparked accusations he was motivated by self-interest and vengefulness.
—Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
Did the dog rescue the person for an altruistic reason, or did the assistance come from a place of self-interest?
—Claire Cameron, Outside Online, 3 Feb. 2025
The message is clear, self-interest negates divergence on issues like the environment, tariffs, health care, and diversity.
—Stanley S. Litow, New York Daily News, 2 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2025
Trump’s actions sparked accusations he was motivated by self-interest and vengefulness.
—Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
Did the dog rescue the person for an altruistic reason, or did the assistance come from a place of self-interest?
—Claire Cameron, Outside Online, 3 Feb. 2025
The message is clear, self-interest negates divergence on issues like the environment, tariffs, health care, and diversity.
—Stanley S. Litow, New York Daily News, 2 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-interest
Noun
-
Whereas the people of the country paid dearly for their moment of selfishness.—
Hannah Gold,
Harper's Magazine,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Some view focusing on one’s goals with determination as an act of selfishness.—
William Jones,
USA TODAY,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Each of the bedrooms has a corresponding en suite that features beadboard walls, an oak vanity with rope detailing, and a stone countertop that extends upwards to wrap around the mirrors.—
Morgan Goldberg,
Architectural Digest,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Residential wet rooms can be just one feature in an expensive, spa-like primary bathroom decked out with a sauna, toilet, vanity and a mini cold-plunge pool.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
After surviving the Holocaust, a Hungarian Jewish architect (Adrien Brody) comes to the USA to build a life for his family while weathering his own considerable ego and vices.—
Brian Truitt,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
-
But managing egos and personalities is part of the job along with writing lineups and making pitching changes.—
Tim Britton,
The Athletic,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Trump’s slogans—America First and Make America Great Again—embody the essence of populism, namely using ideology to advance a political program that is morally unconstrained and driven by collective egoism.—
BÁLINT MADLOVICS,
Foreign Affairs,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Psychological egoism is at play here, too, with Jimmy’s extreme emotional investment in getting Grace help.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
23 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-interest. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share