as in selfness
excessive interest in oneself
the only reason for constantly ignoring everyone else's problems is selfishness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
McMaster’s formulation, like Trump’s exaltation of selfishness, rests on profound ignorance of the true sources of American strength.
—
Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026
Prosecutors told jurors at trial that Wei was motivated by greed and selfishness rather than political ideology.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Auriemma demanding selfishness from an innately unselfish superstar is a familiar refrain for those who listened to him deliver the same message to Paige Bueckers throughout her five seasons at UConn.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2026
These attacks are designed to divide us, to turn us towards cynicism and selfishness.
—Natalia Aristizabal, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for selfishness
Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026
Prosecutors told jurors at trial that Wei was motivated by greed and selfishness rather than political ideology.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Auriemma demanding selfishness from an innately unselfish superstar is a familiar refrain for those who listened to him deliver the same message to Paige Bueckers throughout her five seasons at UConn.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2026
These attacks are designed to divide us, to turn us towards cynicism and selfishness.
—Natalia Aristizabal, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for selfishness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selfishness
Noun
-
Posing on top of an antique vanity and inside a wooden cabinet, Bieber cycled through a parade of sheer lace, see-through mesh, and strappy designs in shades of red, black, pink, and cream.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Store liquids—such as lotion, makeup, perfumes, and skincare—on a tray to protect your vanity table or bathroom cabinet.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
This is different from egoism and self-centeredness.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The healthy egos on this cast probably won’t see me as a challenge threat despite my record.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Performers, clowns and managers talk about the risks, egos and family atmosphere at Cirque, as shots of death-defying stunts play.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Selfishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selfishness. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
