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 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 His response focused not on himself but on his wife, who needs a kidney donor – a reflection, friends say, of his selfless nature. — Dawn White, CBS News, 17 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
  • This is a remarkable change from just two years ago, when state and local policy makers were competing to see who could award the more generous subsidies, and even waiving local zoning, to attract data centers.
    — John Kostyack, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • One art form that might seem implacably hostile to such tactics is opera, whose complex fusion of singing, stagecraft, orchestra, and costumes usually depends on generous fly space, wings, and an ample pit.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 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
  • Megrahi’s second appeal was later dropped as he was released on compassionate grounds due to a terminal prostate cancer diagnosis in 2009, according to NPR.
    — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
  • Ultimately, navigating these challenging times with patience, humility, and authentic presence builds a resilient and compassionate organizational culture.
    — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • Every unnecessary dollar paid in taxes is a dollar that can no longer compound for retirement, support your family, fund charitable goals or become part of your legacy.
    — D. Scott Kenik, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • To be sure, charitable bequests are also fully deductible against the estate tax, which means the destination (charity) is what erases Buffett’s tax liability.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 30 July 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • Through movement, restoration, thoughtful hospitality and a profound connection to the California coast, each stay becomes an opportunity to return home feeling renewed.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
  • While our designers both agree that bare wooden stairs are a style and safety issue, Spalding prefers to incorporate the practicality of carpet on stairs with a thoughtful runner.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 30 July 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • The humane society protects black cats for a specified period of time around Halloween.
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Every animal deserves humane treatment and prompt access to care.
    — Marianne Pizzitola, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • While Maduro and Flores have awaited trial in a federal detention facility in Brooklyn, their home country has been grappling with a humanitarian disaster following a pair of powerful back-to-back earthquakes in June, killing at least 5,278 people.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • The commercial challenge is that humanitarian budgets are fragmented, procurement is slow and customers need evidence that a new system improves safety rather than simply producing more data.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • 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
  • Though Bridges’ clank to conclude the evening was hardly the reason for the defeat, the possession was exemplary of a rare issue for New York, one of the league’s cleverest and most unselfish squads.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 10 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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