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self-flagellating

adjective

as in altruistic

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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 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
  1. altruistic
  2. humanitarian
  3. philanthropic
  4. magnanimous
  5. benevolent
  6. self-sacrificing
  7. selfless
  8. self-denying
Adjective
  • This altruistic philosophy, however, doesn't discourage Obeid from partnering with, or promoting trendy food businesses.
    — Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, cartoons infused with blood don’t have the most altruistic desires.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of altruistic
Adjective
  • The Belarusian opposition has welcomed Coale's efforts as an important humanitarian mission, but emphasized that Lukashenko's government has jailed more political prisoners.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • For Natalia Sergienko, a humanitarian worker and the director of the Kherson Power of the South public organization, the past month brought two close calls.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 15 Sep. 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
  • Given the circumstances, his commitment was defiantly magnanimous.
    — John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Deadpool is proving to be surprisingly magnanimous as the flippant character loses a box office record to The Odyssey.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of magnanimous
Adjective
  • The Musk Myth How Hollywood burnished the entrepreneur’s image as a benevolent genius.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Stülpnagel drops in, makes vague, benevolent pronouncements, and asks Frank to hide little notes for fellow anti-Hitler plotters.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 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
  • Nehemiah’s selfless leadership benefited his Jewish community in many ways.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Since his Vuelta win, Kuss has mostly reverted to selfless domestique duties, helping Vingegaard to win the 2025 Vuelta and 2026 Giro.
    — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

self-explorations
self-flagellating
self-flagellation
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Cite this Entry

“Self-flagellating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-flagellating. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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