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 But there were hero moments here too, the same refusal to lose, the same team-work, the same selfless effort in exhausting physical conditions. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 July 2026 As the siege escalates, loyalties are tested and selfless sacrifices are made, leading to a desperate fight for survival where not everyone will emerge alive. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 July 2026 There’s no doubt that James’ selfless style of play will complement Curry’s shooting and Green’s defensive versatility. — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 His peers regarded him as a selfless figure, putting others before himself for the sake of winning. — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 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 lovely pool at the top of the property has a generous sunbathing area and fabulous views over the city and there’s a 24/7 gym up there with an al fresco area kitted out with brand new TechnoGym machines.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Accord nameplate is known for its generous cabin space in the midsize car segment and sporty driving dynamics.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 19 Aug. 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
  • Clancy was an attentive mother and a compassionate nurse, said Margaret Hamp, a nurse who worked with the defendant.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • His friends in Hawaii remember him as thoughtful, kind, and compassionate.
    — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • The goal is to show that philanthropy belongs to them, too — not just the historically wealthier and predominantly white charitable institutions that tend to dominate narratives about philanthropy.
    — James Pollard, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Make sure estate documents and beneficiary designations reflect your wishes, including charitable giving.
    — Angie O’Leary, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • Founded in 2009, the group has bloomed into a small empire—we’re talking nearly 70 of the South’s favorite restaurants, hotels, bars, and cafes, plus another dozen or so in development—with thoughtful intention.
    — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
  • This means clear standards, thoughtful planning and investment in new energy generation and transmission.
    — Frances Townsend, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • Rio Blanco County Commissioner Callie Scritchfield, however, said captivity is more humane than allowing the horses to roam free.
    — Stina Sieg, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection investigated Ridglan between 2024 and 2025 and identified 494 violations, with several pertaining to dogs being handled in a practicable and humane manner.
    — Adam Yamaguchi, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of humane
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
  • But the actual healer of sorrow and wrong will always be divine Love, understood and expressed through our unselfish desire to help others.
    — Margaret Rogers, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026
  • However, the unselfish captain has led MLS in assists so far, which may still bode well for South Korea.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of selfless for Spanish Speakers

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