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.

Working with screenwriter Will Soodik, Parsons has gone back into that banal maze to find an uncannily mature story about loss and stagnation, about how our self-serving narratives barricade us from emotional growth.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

It is not much more than a piece of paper generated in a self-serving way by ICE, free of review to substantiate what is stated in it.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

The firm said any allegations of unethical practices were the result of “disgruntled former employees ... who have ulterior self-serving motives.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 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

I gave them happiness, but I was not so self-serving as to let them forgive me.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

self-serving

Example Sentences

Related Words