as in selfish
overly concerned with one's own desires, needs, or interests
a self-absorbed man who seems utterly oblivious to the social problems of his own urban neighborhood
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Recent Examples of self-absorbed
In Tim Burton’s breakthrough film, O’Hara played tragically hip Delia Deetz, the pretentious and self-absorbed stepmother of Winona Ryder’s Lydia.
—
Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Benedict doesn’t realize that the woman who has entirely captured his attention is Sophie, the maid for the formidable Araminta Gun (Katie Leung), aka Lady Penwood and her daughters, the vicious and self-absorbed Rosamund Li (Michelle Mao) and the sweet but simple Posy Li (Isabella Wei).
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
Anyone who subscribes to that, as far as I’m concerned, was always self-absorbed and had no interest in the common good anyway.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
For the moment at least, no one can accuse me of being self-absorbed and neglectful, either.
—Lucinda Rosenfeld, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-absorbed
Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Benedict doesn’t realize that the woman who has entirely captured his attention is Sophie, the maid for the formidable Araminta Gun (Katie Leung), aka Lady Penwood and her daughters, the vicious and self-absorbed Rosamund Li (Michelle Mao) and the sweet but simple Posy Li (Isabella Wei).
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
Anyone who subscribes to that, as far as I’m concerned, was always self-absorbed and had no interest in the common good anyway.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
For the moment at least, no one can accuse me of being self-absorbed and neglectful, either.
—Lucinda Rosenfeld, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-absorbed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-absorbed
selfish
Adjective
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Should Booker have been more selfish?—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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Over the years, fans have on social media have called out Nate’s selfish behavior in his relationship with Andy, seemingly upset with her for pursuing a career in fashion.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-absorbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-absorbed. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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