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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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 selfishness Defeating the dragon and reclaiming the treasure represents the restoration of order and the triumph of generosity over selfishness. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026 Feelings from optimism to selfishness to lust are all neatly captured with song and dance. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 July 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 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 See All Example Sentences for selfishness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for selfishness

Noun

My accommodations unfolded in a graceful series of rooms with couches, a four-poster bed, and a dual-vanity bathroom.

— Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Franchise values have compounded at 13% a year for more than six decades as team ownership evolved from a vanity project into an asset class.

— Robert Gray, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

Kikuko sometimes mistook Shigejiro’s cheerfulness for egoism owing to the distortions produced by her illness.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of egoism

Noun

Let’s set your ego at the door and figure out what’s going on with just some of the techniques that happened today.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
Trump’s presidency seems rooted in a policy du jour mindset which responds first and foremost to pleasuring his insatiable ego.

— Kevin Igoe, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of ego

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selfish

selfishness

self-knowledge

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“Selfishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selfishness. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of selfishness

noun

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