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 Madeline Delp plays fellow leader Kitty Cone, whose selfless compassion challenges Heumann’s radical approach to the movement. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026 Family described Thakur in an online fundraiser for her funeral as caring, loving and selfless. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026 Her life offers a powerful blueprint for selfless advocacy, demonstrating how to use one's position to uplift others and challenge injustice. — Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 His was the type of selfless service that is so desperately needed today. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 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 predominant suites—all of which have generous outdoor space—are spread across four buildings whose Indonesian names translate to mountain, hill, plateau and valley.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In Adnan, Regan could not have found a more captivating central character, whose incisive, ever-generous way with words, philosophical wisdom, and artworks are lovingly conveyed here.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 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
  • Rodriguez described her daughter as kind, compassionate and full of life.
    — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • His story demonstrates that innovation in caregiving can make communities more compassionate, connected and responsive.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • Donating shares—whether involving an IPO or not—can be one of the most tax-effective ways to support charitable causes.
    — Joe Crome, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Jim Cramer also hit paydirt on this one, buying it for the charitable trust back in March.
    — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • Patrick is a mix of stately confidence and thoughtful inquiry.
    — Kyle Maclachlan, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
  • And there’s a useful distinction between dressing down to make someone else comfortable and being thoughtful about the signals your clothes send.
    — Morgan Sullivan, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • The United States has previously faced accusations of violating international laws on torture and humane treatment.
    — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Sally Hayden’s reportage is always deeply humane, rigorous and challenging, and this new book promises to be an education.
    — Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • After graduation, Harry took a gap year to carry out humanitarian work in Africa (particularly with children in Lesotho), Australia, and Latin America.
    — Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026
  • That 2019 model was a toy next to today’s systems, which terrorist groups could use to reach a broader audience with a more convincing message, posing as humanitarian nongovernmental organizations or even just influencers to raise money.
    — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • Apart from the group’s buy-in to doing the little things, its commitment to unselfish football keeps one of the most dynamic running games in the country from fracturing.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • And even with an unselfish roster, what does the offensive hierarchy look like?
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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