altruism

noun

Definition of altruismnext
as in generosity
feelings and behavior that show a desire to help other people and a lack of selfishness charitable acts motivated purely by altruism In one final act of altruism, she donated almost all of her money to the hospital.

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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 altruism These positive connotations associated with scientific research help the AI industry signal altruism while downplaying their profit-making ambitions. — Matthew Sun, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 Its founders and many of its early employees were sympathetic to the utilitarian philosophical movement known as effective altruism. — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026 But any thoughts of altruism fly out the window when, as happened this month, those doughnuts come from The Donuttery in Huntington Beach. — Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2026 Patel viewed it more as a high-stakes litmus test of his wealthy audience’s altruism. — Anna Tong, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for altruism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruism
  1. generosity
  2. charity
  3. philanthropy
Noun
  • All the more reason for leaders to play the generosity sweepstakes in ways that are advantageous to them.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Give creators the freedom and resources to do something meaningful for their own communities, whether that means recognizing someone, supporting a local cause or simply creating a moment of generosity or care.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • Similar to Anthropic’s plan, the fund was set up as an LLC rather than a charity.
    — Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Following his release from jail, Archer published his prison diaries, carried on with his charity work and wrote more novels.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of charity
Noun
  • But the rest of the world is not just where the needs are greatest—from acute childhood malnutrition to violence against women—but where the gains from philanthropy can be greatest.
    — David Miliband, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Federal or state governments could seed the accounts, but philanthropy offers a faster, deficit-neutral start.
    — Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of philanthropy

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altricial
altruism
altruist
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Cite this Entry

“Altruism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altruism. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on altruism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about altruism

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