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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Recent Examples of altruism
But people critical of the effective altruism movement have increasingly singled out the new organization in unsubtle ways.
—
Max Tani, semafor.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Robin Hood replaces the character’s intrinsic altruism with a persistent adolescent selfishness.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2025
Perhaps most importantly, researchers need to rethink how altruism is understood.
—Stylianos Syropoulos, The Conversation, 2 Dec. 2025
Based on your findings, do these platforms amplify genuine altruism or encourage more performative acts of kindness?
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Max Tani, semafor.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Robin Hood replaces the character’s intrinsic altruism with a persistent adolescent selfishness.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2025
Perhaps most importantly, researchers need to rethink how altruism is understood.
—Stylianos Syropoulos, The Conversation, 2 Dec. 2025
Based on your findings, do these platforms amplify genuine altruism or encourage more performative acts of kindness?
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruism
Noun
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The strained awkwardness of Adelina and Alban’s gestures of generosity underscore the class disparity between the city dwellers and their relatives.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
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Hunter echoes that sentiment, pointing to Donna’s professional success and generosity of spirit.—
Dawn Klavon,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Some retirees choose to donate old policies to a charity, which can be a great way to support a cause and potentially receive a tax benefit.—
Andrew Rosen,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Yearly contributions are capped at $5,000, but contributions from governments and charities don't count toward that total.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In November, they were given received the University of California Presidential Medal, recognizing the impact their philanthropy has had across the UC system.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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Based on this estimate alone, the pledge could direct tens of billions of dollars toward philanthropy.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Altruism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altruism. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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