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
  • Katherine is sympathetic and altruistic, two other words that describe the sentimental nature of the water sign’s personality.
    — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Savonarola is unapologetically altruistic and unflinching in his critique of the Vatican.
    — Charles Lewis III, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
Definition of altruistic
Adjective
  • Groups like Poy’s that rely on foreign aid are struggling as donors shift funding for humanitarian demining toward active conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, and to more recent wars, like in Syria and Afghanistan.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The effects of a long-term naval blockade will have humanitarian consequences in Iran.
    — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 18 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
  • But Zakir Avşar, a professor at Ankara’s Hacı Bayram Veli University, urges a more magnanimous view of developments.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026
  • In keeping with the magnanimous Nobel brand, Ludvig refused to patent any part of it.
    — Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Definition of magnanimous
Adjective
  • The idea is to encourage investment in infrastructure, but a particularly benevolent owner could pour in vast sums that could then be used on the squad.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The commissioners representing the Hawaiian Government have consented to leave to the future and to the just and benevolent purposes of the United States the adjustment of all such questions.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 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
  • 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

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 20 Aug. 2026.

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