self-serving

[self-sur-ving] / ˈsɛlfˈsɜr vɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

egotistic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

boastful pompous self-absorbed selfish subjective

WEAK

affected aloof autocratic boasting bragging conceited egocentric egoistic egoistical egomaniacal egotistical haughty individualistic inflated inner-directed intimate intrinsic introverted isolated narcissistic obsessive opinionated personal prideful proud puffed up self-admiring self-centered self-important self-involved self-seeking snobbish stuck on oneself stuck-up superior swollen vain vainglorious wrapped up in oneself

Antonyms

STRONGEST

modest

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But his pitting of empathy in direct opposition to that clarity about our limitations is self-serving and, let’s be real, the kind of man-child narcissism currently being celebrated as strength.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2025

In a town — and a time — of selfishness and self-serving, Reiner was one of the good guys, always fighting, both through his films and his politics, to make the world kinder and closer.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

"Now he is focusing on local government which he believes is too self-serving and not very in touch with the people they are supposed to represent," said Sinclair.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2025

But I’m not here to debate Musk and Saad’s self-serving delusions.

From Salon • Dec. 1, 2025

He’s not one of those overly social, back-slapping types for whom the process of acquiring acquaintances is obvious and self-serving.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

self-serving

Example Sentences

Related Words