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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 altruism
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
The evening featured a panel on preventative care moderated by TIME executive editor Nikhil Kumar and ended with a round of toasts from three honorees, who spoke about the importance of long-term funding for health, reinterpreting the story around aging, and altruism to help those in medical need.
—Charlotte Hu, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for altruism
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
The evening featured a panel on preventative care moderated by TIME executive editor Nikhil Kumar and ended with a round of toasts from three honorees, who spoke about the importance of long-term funding for health, reinterpreting the story around aging, and altruism to help those in medical need.
—Charlotte Hu, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruism
Noun
-
Beneath the surface, however, Bohm has faced obstacles and oddities, including a frightening elbow infection and a viral social media post touting his generosity that was untrue.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The event seeks to renew commitment to compassion, generosity and hope, and attendees will walk from Trinity Lutheran Church to the courthouse for a brief program followed by a reception and fellowship at Trinity.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Building Alligator Alcatraz and being proud of treating people inhumanely while at the same time stealing money for his charity is disgusting.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
-
According to its website, the chain donates 20% of sales from in-store community events to local organizations and charities, and corporate and franchise teams are active participants in groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Most for-profit companies still confine nonprofit relationships to corporate philanthropy.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.—
Thalia Beaty,
Fortune,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Altruism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altruism. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
