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 The selfless acts aren’t just feel-good stories for business. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Because the idea that Carla’s character would challenge the selfless-mother stereotype is compelling, the show’s razor-thin characterization of her is frustrating. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 Especially if your friends have busy lives or don't often reach out to make plans, putting in the work to stay in touch may seem like a fundamentally selfless gesture. — Renée Onque, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026 Stagg coach Mike Kealy named Woznik a captain during summer training, acknowledging his natural leadership and selfless play. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 23 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
  • One tier down from Dithaba (both fiscally and geographically), Kapano is a few minutes’ walk down a dusty hill and follows a similar format, with four generous-sized rooms veering off the communal pool, bar, and alfresco deck dining area.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Venus connects with Jupiter, supporting a generous exchange with someone who sees possibilities from a different angle.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of generous
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
  • Communities become more inclusive, compassionate, and connected.
    — Jeffrey Zirulnick, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Gentle parenting has become a buzzword on social media, often presented as a calm, connected, and compassionate alternative to traditional discipline.
    — Alex Vance, Parents, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • How charitable of him to keep his office in the most expensive part of the city--with our money, that is.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
  • By supporting charitable giving Life insurance can also help families include charitable giving in their estate plans.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • Media companies — like ours — will be there to keep you company, of course, in our case with superb analysis and a thoughtful afternoon livestream.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Woobles Beginner Crochet Amigurumi Kits are fun for experienced stitchers and beginners alike, and make for thoughtful holiday gifts, too.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • Once Anchovy Jack settled in one area, rescuers lured him into a humane trap.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The law requires a transition plan for workers and owners in 2027, as well as humane placement of the animals.
    — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • Zelenskyy had said on X that the strikes first targeted the former school that was used for regular distributions of humanitarian aid and then took aim at a nearby shelter.
    — Derek Gatopoulos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Instead, local authorities are using it as an administrative center and humanitarian hub.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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