SELFISHNESS Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

selfishness

noun

ˈsel-fish-nəs

Definition of selfishness

as in selfness

excessive interest in oneself the only reason for constantly ignoring everyone else's problems is selfishness

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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 selfishness Shooting the final sequence from Cassie’s point of view was a last-minute adjustment, which Levinson made the day of filming to emphasize Cassie’s narcissism and selfishness. — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026 Mulligan, who similarly usually gives off a warm presence onscreen, is icy and sharp here, her Lindsay stuck up and miserable in the life she's made for herself but completely trapped by her own ego and selfishness. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026 The doctor further explained that the traits of a narcissist encompass low empathy, arrogance, entitlement, grandiosity and pathological selfishness. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for selfishness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

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
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

Definition of egoism

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

selfish

selfishness

self-knowledge

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“Selfishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selfishness. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of selfishness

noun

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