Definitions

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.

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self-serving

Who else could pull off an eponymous theme park without it feeling brazenly self-serving?

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

This conception of the court’s role is both self-serving and an ambitious overstatement.

From Slate ● Jul. 20, 2026

That claim was dismissed as "self-serving" by Greenpeace, whose UK chief scientist Doug Parr said approving the field would be "reckless and indefensible" in the context of international commitments to slow down global warming.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

As a 25-year high-school math teacher in Alameda, Calif., I’ve listened to all the specious, spurious, self-serving excuses for denying students and families educational choice.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 12, 2026

How could he trust such a self-serving idea derived from hope and desire?

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

self-serving

Example Sentences

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