selfless

adjective

Definition of selflessnext
as in generous
having or showing great concern for other people and little or no concern for yourself a selfless act selfless dedication to helping the most in need

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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 selfless 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 Is there a more potent aphrodisiac than a man’s selfless admiration of a woman’s talents? — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026 Madeline Delp plays fellow leader Kitty Cone, whose selfless compassion challenges Heumann’s radical approach to the movement. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for selfless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selfless
  1. generous
  2. philanthropic
  3. compassionate
  4. charitable
  5. thoughtful
  6. humane
  7. humanitarian
  8. unselfish
Adjective
  • The decor could feel a little utilitarian, but that didn't bother me; the generous proportions and practical layout were more consequential.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The professionalization worked, but at the expense of the site’s internal culture, Cooke argues, as generous eccentrics were displaced by neurotic lovers of rules.
    — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of generous
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
  • Others discussed overcoming the initial awkwardness of the work and finding satisfaction in helping doctors become more competent and compassionate.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, the lawsuits contend that chatbots are pretending to be agreeable and compassionate while preying on the vulnerable and on teenagers, the first generation to grow up with artificial intelligence.
    — Marc Levy, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • The cast and crew filmed a charity auction scene to put the spotlight on Bears Care, the team’s charitable arm.
    — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
  • For a business leader in a similar position with resources available to them, the starting point for corporate charitable giving is understanding what the nonprofit organization needs and where the business can contribute effectively.
    — Kenneth Coffey, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • And Winnie-the-Pooh continues to sit, in a thoughtful sort of way, which is what very old bears in very nice glass cases mostly do.
    — STEVE HENDRIX THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
  • While the palette is narrow, thoughtful color moments are strategically placed through accents like carpets and textiles.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • Nakamura demanded humane and fair treatment of the journalist and for Japanese officials to be allowed to have contact with him, the ministry said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • America needs an immigration system that is orderly, humane, and actually works.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • The subsequent Israel-Hamas war has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
    — Callum Sutherland, Time, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The conflict created one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, and killed more than 150,000 people.
    — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • Atlanta plays unselfish basketball, but sticks largely to its starters; Golden State has more of an all-hands-on-deck arrangement.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Lewandowski's unselfish pass to a wide-open Haile-Selassie at the back post capped the scoring in the 88th minute.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of unselfish

Browse Nearby Words

self-knowledges
selfless
selflessly
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Cite this Entry

“Selfless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selfless. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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