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.

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

But despite mom’s self-serving machinations and to her infinite surprise, Mary, saintly and wise, starts to prove herself irresistible to men.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 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

But the TRA's panel said his apology was "self-serving" and did not recognise the severity of his misconduct.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

The key insight, possessing the potential to unlock the mystery produced by the contradictory versions of what happened during the duel, is that both sides constructed their explanations around self-serving and misguided assumptions.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

self-serving

Example Sentences

Related Words