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
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Kilduff’s last selfless act mimicked his whole life, fellow Rescue 2 firefighter Lt.
—
Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 1 June 2026
Without Shughart and Gordon's selfless sacrifice, Durant likely would have been murdered by the mob.
—David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2026
No player better embodies those fluctuations than Brunson, who has fluctuated between lead star and co-star — between elite scorer and selfless playmaker.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 23 May 2026
And the young, selfless team around him is putting the squeeze on opponents with ridiculous depth, much of it stockpiled via that trade.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for selfless
Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 1 June 2026
Without Shughart and Gordon's selfless sacrifice, Durant likely would have been murdered by the mob.
—David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2026
No player better embodies those fluctuations than Brunson, who has fluctuated between lead star and co-star — between elite scorer and selfless playmaker.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 23 May 2026
And the young, selfless team around him is putting the squeeze on opponents with ridiculous depth, much of it stockpiled via that trade.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for selfless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selfless
Adjective
-
People are kinder, more generous, more open and hopeful which allows space for emotional walls to come down, bridges to be built and grievances to be buried, and perhaps most importantly of all, for love to blossom.—
Jenny Bayliss,
PEOPLE,
7 Dec. 2025
-
There are a lot of names on the book’s pages, and the Newmans, in their generous way, make sure everyone gets their due.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
7 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
SocialMiami, a website that offers the Miami social season’s premiere list of philanthropic events, performances and fundraising initiatives, presents highlights from its annual guide to Art Week.—
Brett Graff,
Miami Herald,
2 Dec. 2025
-
Both were extremely philanthropic with not only their money but their time.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
And that’s what drove me creatively — to be authentic, but to be compassionate.—
Antonia Blyth,
Deadline,
10 June 2026
-
Nick Miller, a spokesperson for Rivas, said the Assembly’s goal was to deliver both a responsible and compassionate budget.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Proceeds will go to the foundation’s Resident Assistance Fund, which provides charitable care to senior residents in need at Seacrest Village retirement community.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
-
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Regardless of one’s position, a decision about downtown’s historic core deserves thoughtful public discussion.—
Sarah M. Boye,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
General Daily Insight for June 14, 2026 Fresh pages wait for thoughtful words tonight.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Indeed, there is likely no method — no matter how humane — that would be immune to constitutional challenge.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
-
At the same time, the resolution calls for humane immigration policies that uphold justice and mercy, strongly rejecting nativism, discrimination and racial or ethnic hostility.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
In Geneva, Switzerland’s second-largest city and a hub of United Nations institutions and humanitarian groups, early results showed about two-thirds of voters in the region opposed the measure.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
The run-up to Qatar, four years ago, was a humanitarian disaster.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
Our team was unselfish tonight.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
11 Nov. 2025
-
On the other hand, unselfish employees tend to build stronger professional relationships and are more likely to get promoted than selfish ones, each potentially leading to higher incomes over time, research shows.—
Ashton Jackson
Natalie Wu,
CNBC,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Selfless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selfless. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
