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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 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 Your entire roster - or at least nearly all of your roster - must be selfless, buy in, and put winning ahead of personal goals. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 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 baseline of drinks included here is pretty generous, from coffee and soft drinks, to cocktails and wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Her makeup is both fresh-faced and warm, with a hint of glowy—not shimmery—bronze on her cheeks and lids, and a generous dose of mascara without any discernible liner.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 23 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
  • Playing Edward as the courtly and compassionate polar-opposite of his awful sister Fanny, MacKay brings a gentle diffidence that syncs beautifully with Edgar-Jones’ delicate reserve.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Her reasoning was that Ted's compassionate coaching style is possible only because Rebecca, as the club's owner, permits it.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • Buffett made substantial charitable donations during his lifetime.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The victims often involved charitable or civic organizations that obtained insurance from Kolenda and Hole-in-Won for one or more prizes at an event, officials said.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • Built from water-resistant, 100% cotton Ventile cloth, its classic design benefits from the thoughtful touch of adjustable side adjusters.
    — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Good Zero-Proof Drinks Require More Ingredients, More Time Not only is there more time and labor often involved with these very thoughtful beverages, but raw material costs add up.
    — Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • Longwell believes that neither party is currently giving voters the choice of being simultaneously tough and fair, secure and humane, protective and decent.
    — Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
  • In 2021, the humane society was named as one of nine beneficiaries of a donor’s IRA, which Sadek said the nonprofit only learned about through the donor’s sister.
    — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • Beyond limited assistance in urgent cases, Haitian authorities and humanitarian agencies do not offer sustained shelter, health care, transportation, protection or reintegration support.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Past humanitarian award honorees include Naomi Campbell, Viola Davis, Don Cheadle and Bridgid Coulter.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 21 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Selfless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selfless. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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