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.

Adam Smith, by contrast, argued that free enterprise and the uncoordinated pursuit of individual self-interest would lead to better outcomes for more people.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

While Gulf governments talk about integration, analysts warned that their own self-interest may get in the way.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Blue Owl has said the transactions were “arm’s length,” meaning the parties were unrelated and acting independently in their own self-interest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Mandy Hill, president of the Publishers Association, said the backtrack was a victory "over the self-interest of a handful of large corporations".

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

She also knew that, ultimately, it was her own peace of mind she strove for; self-interest and kindness were best not separated.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

self-interest

Example Sentences

Related Words