SELF-SERVING Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

self-serving

adjective

ˌself-ˈsər-viŋ

Definition of self-serving

as in selfish

overly concerned with one's own desires, needs, or interests she's just another self-serving politician who puts her own ambitions above the public good

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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 self-serving This, in fact, is how Palantir prices its offerings (so there’s the self-serving bit). — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 7 July 2026 And yet his insistence that his campaign wasn’t really about him, however self-serving, contains more than a seed of truth. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 7 July 2026 The lawsuit states that Kuka has singlehandedly caused irreparable harm to Boca View by refusing to abide by Florida law and the association’s own bylaws in order to further her self-serving agenda. — Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Elmosnino is an amusing villain, making his most self-serving machinations sound reasonable. — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-serving

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-serving

selfish

Adjective

Erika is manipulative and selfish; Elliot doesn’t respect her boundaries either.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
This Fire sign reminds us that taking up space and being unapologetically yourself isn’t inherently selfish, and genuine self-expression can be incredibly brave.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

Definition of selfish

Browse Nearby Words

self-seeking

self-serving

self-slaughter

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“Self-serving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-serving. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-serving

adjective

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