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
Whether the motivations are development, altruism, returns or security, there is a role and reward for putting energy and resources into this effort.
—
Ajaypal Banga, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
The Terms of Service of Anthropic’s defective altruism will never outweigh the safety, the readiness, or the lives of American troops on the battlefield.
—Tina Nguyen, The Verge, 28 Feb. 2026
This climactic collision is woven from several minor ethical tugs-of-war that rest on each character exhibiting both selfishness and altruism in various scenes, until their complicated humanity is placed under a harsh spotlight.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
Those diplomatic efforts to aid Congo were not simply motivated by altruism.
—Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Ajaypal Banga, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
The Terms of Service of Anthropic’s defective altruism will never outweigh the safety, the readiness, or the lives of American troops on the battlefield.
—Tina Nguyen, The Verge, 28 Feb. 2026
This climactic collision is woven from several minor ethical tugs-of-war that rest on each character exhibiting both selfishness and altruism in various scenes, until their complicated humanity is placed under a harsh spotlight.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
Those diplomatic efforts to aid Congo were not simply motivated by altruism.
—Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruism
Noun
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Creative self-expression and generosity of spirit are themes as the moon harmonizes with Jupiter!—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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His generosity was shown on ABC 7 Chicago this past December.—
Darcel Rockett,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Inn was founded by and remains owned by the Shorefast charity, which is dedicated to securing Fogo Island’s cultural and economic future.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
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In 1985 — more than 40 years ago — Cole started a very witty ad campaign in support of HIV/AIDS research and charities.—
Merle Ginsberg,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Kathrin has found a friendlier narrative in philanthropy.—
Simon Akam,
Vanity Fair,
2 Apr. 2026
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Fashion and beauty companies are redefining philanthropy as a core business function, not a standalone initiative, as industry leaders stressed at Monday’s Social Impact Summit in New York, hosted by the Social Impact Fund and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Foundation.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Altruism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altruism. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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