Synonyms of self-serving

self-serving

adjective

ˌself-ˈsər-viŋ 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• selfish
• narcissistic
• egocentric
• self-interested
• self-centered
• egomaniacal
• solipsistic
• self-absorbed
• self-involved
• egotistic
• self-regarding
• egoistic
• self-obsessed
• self-concerned
• self-seeking
• self-oriented
• self-preoccupied
• self-loving
• self-infatuated
• proud
• smug
• inner-directed
• self-indulgent
• self-glorifying
• vainglorious
• conceited
• self-important
• vain
• self-satisfied
• self-contented
• complacent
• self-complacent
• pompous
• self-conceited
• prideful
• self-pleased
• self-directed
• self-opinionated
• overweening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• selfless
• altruistic
• unselfish
• philanthropic
• humanitarian
• benevolent
• charitable
• generous
• magnanimous
• self-sacrificing
• beneficent
• self-denying
• other-directed
• self-forgetful
• self-forgetting
• greathearted
• diffident
• self-giving
• self-doubting
• self-flagellating
• self-reflective
• self-questioning

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of self-serving

Whether the Polish robotics wiz is following in the self-serving footsteps of Sam Altman remains to be seen. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 9 Sep. 2026

When a self-serving gatekeeper in that position helps divide inventory between what the broad public can see and what only market insiders can see, the result is a less transparent and competitive market. — Tomas J. Philipson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

The short answer is that there is no foolproof method, because successful manipulation depends precisely on making self-serving behavior seem prosocial. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Cox’s critics will no doubt find this narrative self-serving, perhaps even grandiose. — Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026