as in selfness
excessive interest in oneself
the novel's major characters all suffer from self-absorption, and they are every bit as insufferable as such people are in real life
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 self-absorption
This self-absorption can lead to anxiety, research suggests, which prevents people from reaching out in the first place out of a fear of rejection.
—
Allie Volpe, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Her self-absorption at this critical juncture is exactly what Julien needed to hear to feel free to abandon ship.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2024
The biggest emotional gut punch comes not from anything that happens to Strings, but when Essie is predictably cast aside as yet another pawn in the crooner's game of high-minded self-absorption.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 21 Oct. 2024
Both behavioral traits share some core symptoms, including self-absorption, a high sense of self-importance, hostility, and a high sense of entitlement.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for self-absorption
Allie Volpe, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Her self-absorption at this critical juncture is exactly what Julien needed to hear to feel free to abandon ship.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2024
The biggest emotional gut punch comes not from anything that happens to Strings, but when Essie is predictably cast aside as yet another pawn in the crooner's game of high-minded self-absorption.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 21 Oct. 2024
Both behavioral traits share some core symptoms, including self-absorption, a high sense of self-importance, hostility, and a high sense of entitlement.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for self-absorption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-absorption
Noun
-
The film’s underlying suggestion that spies are just as susceptible to selfishness, prone to mistakes, and likely to lie as anyone lines up nicely with some of the revelations brought to light during the George W. Bush years, and little that’s happened since has made the movie seem less insightful.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2025
-
His touring feels like a shield against that selfishness, an investment in a connection with his fellow Americans.—
Ismail Muhammad,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Although technology is a ubiquitous part of this production, the piece has practically nothing to say about it, other than acknowledging its mere existence — technology is related to vanity, and a front-facing selfie camera is like a mirror.—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
-
That has real implications for brand deals and CPM negotiations — but risks creating a new layer of noise and vanity metrics in the creator economy.—
Ian Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Less affable than in the previous season, King Henry’s narcissism and inability to face his decline are placed front and center.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Dark Empath Picture a leader exhibiting equal parts narcissism, sociopathy, and Machiavellianism.—
Dan Pontefract,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Managing egos is unavoidable, but having to manage someone’s ego right from the start is not a positive indicator of things to come.—
Abdo Riani,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
-
But how did egos not get in the way, especially after the seasons Prince and Conner had in 2023?—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-absorption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-absorption. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share