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

“Ghislaine Maxwell is a proven self-serving liar,” McCawley said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 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

Rodgers resigned in late October amid accusations from major shareholder Dermot Desmond of "divisive, misleading, and self-serving" behaviour.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

He’s not one of those overly social, back-slapping types for whom the process of acquiring acquaintances is obvious and self-serving.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

self-serving

Example Sentences

Related Words