SELF-FLAGELLATING Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

self-flagellating

adjective

as in altruistic

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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 self-flagellating At times, Carol’s admirable rebelliousness seems to come at the cost of self-flagellating destruction, a badge of honor to be miserable. — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-flagellating

Adjective

Savonarola is unapologetically altruistic and unflinching in his critique of the Vatican.

— Charles Lewis III, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
Despite those altruistic goals, from the beginning, the commission faced criticism that the composition and agenda of the body were slanted toward a conservative Christian perspective.

— Steven K. Green, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Definition of altruistic

Adjective

The sudden arrival of 50,000 to 60,000 migrants on Thursday and Friday sparked a humanitarian crisis in Ceuta and reignited the immigration debate in the 27-nation bloc, though most of the migrants soon went back.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
The 39-year-old has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010, while his Lionel Messi Foundation has raised money for a number of humanitarian causes, including toward the building of a pediatric cancer centre in Barcelona.

— Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of humanitarian

Adjective

Some billionaires have also pledged philanthropic contributions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
That would have been even a few more million bucks on top of what already looks more like a philanthropic civic act more than a savvy investment on Tullman’s impassioned part, but an enthusiastic punter can dream.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Definition of philanthropic

Adjective

In keeping with the magnanimous Nobel brand, Ludvig refused to patent any part of it.

— Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Asked Monday whether the upcoming schedule feels magnified given the looming deadline, Alvarez maintained the magnanimous attitude that has spread across his clubhouse.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of magnanimous

Adjective

In Chinese mythology, for example, dragons are revered as powerful, benevolent beings associated with rain, rivers, and fertility.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
His single mom, Laura, got by with assistance from the local church and benevolent relatives, including one who bought Warner football cleats.

— Dan Pompei, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of benevolent

Adjective

Anyone who tries to pass will have our self-sacrificing heroes in the IRGC Navy and Army set their ships on fire.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2026
There’s the self-sacrificing Texas teenager who’s helping her mom make ends meet by cashing out her own college fund.

— Jason Linkins, The New Republic, 25 Feb. 2023

Definition of self-sacrificing

Adjective

For his contributions to reforming education in Ladakh, Wangchuk was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, a prestigious Asia-wide honor presented for selfless and transformative service to society, in 2018.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026
Haaland’s singularity was a testament to how humanity seeks heroes — but Spain’s ultimate triumph via crisp passes and selfless teamwork offered a stirring, convincing collective counterpoint.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of selfless

Adjective

Like Congress passing campaign-finance regulation actually is like a pretty self-denying thing Congress has done.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026
The tension between the self-denying demands of being a Kennedy wife and Carolyn’s assured self-determination sets the framework for this love story.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026

Definition of self-denying

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“Self-flagellating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-flagellating. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-flagellating

adjective

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