EGOISM Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

egoism

noun

ˈē-gə-ˌwi-zəm

Definition of egoism

as in selfness

excessive interest in oneself because of her egoism, she never gave a thought to asking how the others felt

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of egoism There was too much egoism politically for each country to be all together with a unique economy, language and president. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2026 Psychological egoism is at play here, too, with Jimmy’s extreme emotional investment in getting Grace help. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024 McGuane also reminded me that Hemingway was, to put it politely, a complicated personality, a domineering figure prone to brawling, affairs, and cask-strength egoism. — Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025 Trump’s slogans—America First and Make America Great Again—embody the essence of populism, namely using ideology to advance a political program that is morally unconstrained and driven by collective egoism. — BÁlint Madlovics, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for egoism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for egoism

Noun

After Portugal’s 1-1 tie against DR Congo, Henry explained the selfishness of Cristiano Ronaldo’s movement, not opening space for a teammate.

— Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 18 June 2026
Claire’s elective death therefore remains a problematic choice for some viewers, an act of vainglorious selfishness from a woman who was never terribly nice to begin with.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2026

Definition of selfishness

Noun

The bathroom is nearby and contains a vanity sink, a walk-in shower, and an incinerating toilet – which literally turns waste into ash.

— Adam Williams July 01, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
The hotel’s wellness focus extends to the bathrooms, which boast walk-in showers, claw-foot soaking tubs, and double-sink marble vanities embellished with ornate gilt mirrors.

— Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

Visitors would find artifacts such as the candlestand, where Washington chose humility over ego and began the peaceful transfer of power.

— Lonnie G. Bunch III, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
The Aussie needed to have some amount of ego to achieve that confidence, something Wright didn’t have or realize.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

Definition of ego

Browse Nearby Words

egocentrism

egoism

egoist

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“Egoism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/egoism. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of egoism

noun

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