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Definitions

self-serving

[self-sur-ving] / ˈsɛlfˈsɜr vɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
egotistic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
boastful pompous self-absorbed selfish subjective
WEAK
affected aloof autocratic boasting bragging conceited egocentric egoistic egoistical egomaniacal egotistical haughty individualistic inflated inner-directed intimate intrinsic introverted isolated narcissistic obsessive opinionated personal prideful proud puffed up self-admiring self-centered self-important self-involved self-seeking snobbish stuck on oneself stuck-up superior swollen vain vainglorious wrapped up in oneself
Antonyms
STRONGEST
modest

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is not much more than a piece of paper generated in a self-serving way by ICE, free of review to substantiate what is stated in it.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

But his pitting of empathy in direct opposition to that clarity about our limitations is self-serving and, let’s be real, the kind of man-child narcissism currently being celebrated as strength.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2025

The comedian’s comments were self-serving to some extent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025

"Now he is focusing on local government which he believes is too self-serving and not very in touch with the people they are supposed to represent," said Sinclair.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2025

In her enormously self-serving and revisionist autobiography, she asserted that she agreed to make the film only after Hitler promised to keep Goebbels at bay.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown