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
  • Though there are multiple interpretations of sharia, its essence is to serve as a code for how Muslims should live and worship — covering such matters as prayer, pilgrimages, fasting, charitable donations and personal virtue.
    — David Crary, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Here are some key things to know about the charitable deduction for 2026.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 24 Sep. 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
  • 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
  • People experiencing such devastating delusions deserve humane, quality care.
    — Meg LeDuc, STAT, 23 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
  • And even with an unselfish roster, what does the offensive hierarchy look like?
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Bellingham struck the post and again went close in the second half, before Güler competed the scoring thanks to unselfish play from Vinícius Júnior.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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