Definitions

self-interest

[self-in-trist, self-, -in-ter-ist] / ˌsɛlfˈɪn trɪst, ˈsɛlf-, -ˈɪn tər ɪst /

NOUN

egoism

Synonyms

STRONG

arrogance assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness egomania egotism gasconade haughtiness insolence megalomania narcissism ostentation overconfidence presumption pride self-absorption self-confidence self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship selfishness superiority vainglory vanity

WEAK

egocentricity self-admiration swellheadedness vaunting

Antonyms

STRONG

humility meekness modesty shyness timidity

WEAK

altruism selflessness

NOUN

egoism/egotism

Synonyms

WEAK

arrogance assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness egocentricity egomania gasconade haughtiness insolence megalomania narcissism ostentation overconfidence preoccupation with self presumption pride self-absorption self-admiration self-confidence self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship selfishness superiority swellheadedness vainglory vanity vaunting

Antonyms

WEAK

altruism humility selflessness

NOUN

narcissism

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrogance self-absorption selfishness

STRONG

assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness ego egoism egomania gasconade haughtiness insolence ostentation overconfidence presumption pride self-confidence self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship superiority vainglory vanity

WEAK

amour-propre egocentricity self-admiration swellheadedness vainness vaunting

Antonyms

STRONG

humility meekness modesty shyness timidity

NOUN

self-absorption

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrogance egotism narcissism self-confidence selfishness

STRONG

assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness egocentrism egomania gasconade haughtiness insolence megalomania ostentation overconfidence presumption pride self-centeredness self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship superiority vainglory vanity

WEAK

egocentricity self-admiration self-involvement swellheadedness vaunting

Antonyms

STRONG

humility meekness modesty shyness timidity

NOUN

self-centeredness

Synonyms

STRONG

arrogance assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness egocentrism egomania egotism gasconade haughtiness insolence megalomania narcissism ostentation overconfidence presumption pride self-absorption self-confidence self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship selfishness superiority vainglory vanity

WEAK

egocentricity self-admiration self-involvement swellheadedness vaunting

Antonyms

STRONG

humility meekness modesty shyness timidity

NOUN

self-involvement

Synonyms

WEAK

arrogance assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness egocentricity egocentrism egomania egotism gasconade haughtiness insolence megalomania narcissism ostentation overconfidence presumption pride self-absorption self-admiration self-centeredness self-confidence self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship selfishness superiority swellheadedness vainglory vanity vaunting

NOUN

vainness

Synonyms

WEAK

amour-propre arrogance assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness ego egocentricity egoism egomania gasconade haughtiness insolence megalomania narcissism ostentation overconfidence presumption pride self-absorption self-admiration self-confidence self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship selfishness superiority swellheadedness vainglory vanity vaunting

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.

Sokol is an avowed fan of “Atlas Shrugged,” the 1957 novel by Ayn Rand that made a moral case for capitalism and self interest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

The fundamental premise underlying Madrid's outreach is that Spain, as the European country closest to the continent, has an essential self interest in Africa's progress towards inclusive and sustainable development, and peace and security.

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2025

It is impossible to discuss legacy admissions without hearing alumni trying to sort their ideals from their self interest.

From New York Times • Jul. 30, 2023

“For too long, our senators have been more focused on their own self interest than serving our state. It’s past time for that to change. And together we’ll make that happen.”

From Seattle Times • Jul. 7, 2021

This is a question of self interest, too.

From A Son of the Immortals by Christy, Howard Chandler

self-interest

Example Sentences

Related Words