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
The proceeds from the purchase will support an early childhood curriculum emphasizing altruism and empathy, designed to inoculate young minds against the dangers of extremism and hate before such poison can take root.
—
Elliott Broidy, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
Instead of the cold eye from Silicon Valley, the family investor is motivated in large part by altruism.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
The charity announced the donation on Instagram, thanking the singer for her act of altruism.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 23 Dec. 2025
Yes, the public pronouncements about corporate altruism have waned and many leaders have adjusted their messaging and, in some cases, strategies.
—Greg Behrman, Time, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Elliott Broidy, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
Instead of the cold eye from Silicon Valley, the family investor is motivated in large part by altruism.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
The charity announced the donation on Instagram, thanking the singer for her act of altruism.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 23 Dec. 2025
Yes, the public pronouncements about corporate altruism have waned and many leaders have adjusted their messaging and, in some cases, strategies.
—Greg Behrman, Time, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruism
Noun
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Everyone at The Rustic was aware that much of Tech’s football status today is thanks to his generosity.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Feb. 2026
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Honor your worth to protect stability and gentle generosity today.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The day begins Lent, a 40‑day period leading up to Easter on April 5 that is often marked by limited fasting, dietary restrictions such as avoiding meat on Fridays, and acts of charity.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
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His sister, Jody Allen, became executor of his estate after his death and took over the leadership of the franchise, overseeing the sale of his assets and donations to charity.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The estate said the sale is consistent with Allen’s directive to eventually sell his sports holdings and direct all estate proceeds to philanthropy.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Now in its third year, the event will present its first fashion- and beauty-focused philanthropy summit.—
Kimberly Nordyke,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Altruism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altruism. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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