selfless

adjective

Definition of selflessnext
as in generous
having or showing great concern for other people and little or no concern for yourself a selfless act selfless dedication to helping the most in need

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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 selfless That selfless approach is what MLB’s premier organization and latest dynasty loves most about Muncy. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 For his contributions to reforming education in Ladakh, Wangchuk was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, a prestigious Asia-wide honor presented for selfless and transformative service to society, in 2018. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026 Organ and whole body donation are often understood as the ultimate selfless acts — a grieving family using their loss to improve someone else’s life, or further scientific research. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 13 July 2026 But there were hero moments here too, the same refusal to lose, the same team-work, the same selfless effort in exhausting physical conditions. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for selfless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selfless
  1. generous
  2. philanthropic
  3. compassionate
  4. charitable
  5. thoughtful
  6. humane
  7. humanitarian
  8. unselfish
Adjective
  • But the attendance announced by USC — 51,144 — admittedly felt generous.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The upcoming docuseries showcases a raw record of his life from the generous, vulnerable and wisecracking side of Perry to new details about his offscreen battles with drugs and alcohol, according to the logline.
    — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of generous
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
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 The routine that keeps draining you may need a more compassionate rhythm.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The vaccine is being used under a compassionate-use program, which allows a medical product to be used in a serious disease situation even though it has not been specifically approved for that particular use.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • Few people are as involved in as many different charitable endeavors as Andrea Massey-Farrell.
    — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The funding marks the first substantial philanthropic pledge toward the mayor’s plan, which city leaders hope to pay for by using a combination of tax dollars and charitable contributions.
    — Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • The fall 2026 collections leaned into this expression of individuality, showcasing an array of accents that encourage thoughtful experimentation.
    — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Every element is artful, thoughtful—a genuine expression of the Sersales’ enduring love affair with contemporary art and cultural storytelling.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • Rio Blanco County Commissioner Callie Scritchfield, however, said captivity is more humane than allowing the horses to roam free.
    — Stina Sieg, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The organization, previously known as The Humane Society of the United States, said three former dog meat vendors made the operation possible after deciding to leave the industry and pursue more humane careers.
    — Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of humane
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
  • Bellingham struck the post and again went close in the second half, before Güler competed the scoring thanks to unselfish play from Vinícius Júnior.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The guys are unselfish and love each other, care about each other.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of unselfish

Browse Nearby Words

self-knowledges
selfless
selflessly
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Cite this Entry

“Selfless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selfless. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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