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
Trefethen led a similar portfolio at the philanthropic organization, Coefficient Giving, which is a major funder of the effective altruism community that has sometimes clashed with OpenAI’s vision for artificial intelligence.
—
Thalia Beaty, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
Providing service to others seems like a good cure for what ails us today — a true lack of altruism and looking out for each other regardless of race, gender or religion, etc.
—Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Advertisement The company has deep roots in effective altruism (EA), a social and philanthropic movement dedicated to using reason to do the most good, including by averting catastrophe.
—Harry Booth, Time, 11 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Thalia Beaty, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
Providing service to others seems like a good cure for what ails us today — a true lack of altruism and looking out for each other regardless of race, gender or religion, etc.
—Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Advertisement The company has deep roots in effective altruism (EA), a social and philanthropic movement dedicated to using reason to do the most good, including by averting catastrophe.
—Harry Booth, Time, 11 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruism
Noun
-
So, investing in the well-being of women leaders isn't an act of generosity.—
Nakisha Dixon,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
This isn’t out of generosity or a desire to protect the game’s well-being.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation is the largest independent charity dedicated to childhood cancer research and family support in the United States.—
CBS News Philadelphia Staff,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
-
Steve Harvey is all smiles while greeting golfers during his charity golf classic on June 2 in Stockbridge, Georgia.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Her push comes as conditions unique to women receive only 2% of private health investment and federal research funds shrink, leaving philanthropy to spotlight gaps and pressure governments and donors to act.—
Glenn Gamboa,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
La Jolla philanthropy group Las Patronas donated a bocce ball set.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Altruism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altruism. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
