altruistic

adjective

ˌal-trü-ˈi-stik How to pronounce altruistic (audio)
Definition of altruisticnext
as in philanthropic
having or showing a concern for the welfare of others I'm not being altruistic in giving you these books, since I was going to have to lug them with me if you hadn't come along

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 altruistic Despite those altruistic goals, from the beginning, the commission faced criticism that the composition and agenda of the body were slanted toward a conservative Christian perspective. — Steven K. Green, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 To my father, wellness was not a goal to be optimized, but rather something that came naturally with a curious, family-oriented, and altruistic existence. — Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Fortune, 21 June 2026 Once dominated by altruistic non-profits, hospice now attracts sophisticated criminal networks. — Wes Kilgore, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 The word also implies a certain curtailing of altruistic ambitions. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for altruistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruistic
  1. philanthropic
  2. charitable
  3. humanitarian
  4. benevolent
Adjective
  • Some billionaires have also pledged philanthropic contributions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • That would have been even a few more million bucks on top of what already looks more like a philanthropic civic act more than a savvy investment on Tullman’s impassioned part, but an enthusiastic punter can dream.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of philanthropic
Adjective
  • The league could expand its existing community programs by partnering with food banks, funding mobile food pantries, providing meals to children during the offseason and directing team charitable dollars toward local food-security programs.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Melissa Sue Gerrits | Getty Images Federal law provides tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) to organizations that operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.
    — Greg Iacurci,Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • As Cuba’s hot summer nears its end with no sign of regime change on the communist-run island, Cubans continue to suffer miserable living conditions as the country’s humanitarian crisis gets disturbingly worse.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Elisha Wiesel, son of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel and chairman of the humanitarian organization that bears his father’s name, also joined the call to reconsider the honor.
    — Amber Garrett, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • The new movie follows a benevolent ex-pilot named Hig (Jacob Elordi) who, after losing his wife during a catastrophic global pandemic, lives out in the wilderness with his dog, Jasper, and ornery isolationist pal Bangley (Josh Brolin).
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • City leaders agree large, unsupervised gatherings could put kids at risk even if most attendees are there for benevolent reasons.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of benevolent

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Cite this Entry

“Altruistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altruistic. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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