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
  • In Sam’s case, his roaring egotism is somewhat awkward because he’s also obsessed with the idea of being altruistic.
    — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
  • There is an altruistic component that draws these people to the road, a belief that their adventures can contribute to social good.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of altruistic
Adjective
  • The war has already killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers and thousands of civilians, analysts and humanitarian organizations say.
    — Susie Blann, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Temporary Protected Status, better known as TPS, is a humanitarian designation that shielded hundreds of thousands of Haitians from deportation following Haiti’s 2010 devastating earthquake.
    — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • His legal team has said that Chambers has strictly donated to lawful Gaza and Palestine humanitarian and philanthropic aid projects, and O’Shea believes them.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Some billionaires have also pledged philanthropic contributions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Definition of philanthropic
Adjective
  • As an interlocutor, Le Guin is magnanimous and playful in these pages.
    — Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Given the circumstances, his commitment was defiantly magnanimous.
    — John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of magnanimous
Adjective
  • This isn’t about shaming the Hawks for not being benevolent enough.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Larger-than-life Halloween celebrations rise up every October like the Great Pumpkin (or a benevolent spooky spirit or two) to captivate visitors with parades, caramel apples, costume contests, and more.
    — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 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
  • Now, Yelich and the rest of the crew are reaping the benefits of that selfless style of play that other teams may be trying to replicate down the road.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Participants described the day as a celebration of seva — selfless service — and a chance to pass traditions of kindness and equality to the next generation.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 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 12 Nov. 2026.

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