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
  • She’s matched beat for beat by Melanie Lynskey, no revelation but reliably affecting and emotionally generous as our heroine’s doting, ailing mother.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • With a beam of roughly 42 feet, the cat offers generous living quarters.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 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
  • Healthcare needs talented, compassionate clinicians now more than ever.
    — Jeff Giullian, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Social Security uses technology to scan disability applications for conditions on the compassionate allowances list, and those applications often receive approval within days, according to one law firm.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • Global Citizen app users can also earn points to enter to win a pair of free tickets or use the app to make a charitable donation in order to secure tickets.
    — Katie Houlis, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Then, the news started focusing on his charitable contributions in comparison to ex-wife Mackenzie Scott, and his new business endeavors as well as his remaining Amazon ties.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • Ask the direct question, write down the agreement, and leave room for a thoughtful answer.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 A thoughtful message could reconnect you with the right people.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • The right mix of true and imagined can give the simplest of humane narratives — in this case, the possibility of renewal in an epidemic of hurt — a fresher chance to touch us.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The extermination method should be both practical and humane.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • The Taliban has maintained the ban despite appeals from the United Nations, humanitarian groups, human‑rights advocates, and several Islamic countries, insisting the issue is a domestic matter.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The United Kingdom’s humanitarian assistance in the social sector, for instance, has fallen below pre-COVID levels, leading to cuts in health programs in dependent countries in West and East Africa, notably Gambia, Kenya, and Eritrea.
    — Eghosa E. Osaghae, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • But the actual healer of sorrow and wrong will always be divine Love, understood and expressed through our unselfish desire to help others.
    — Margaret Rogers, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026
  • 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
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 17 Aug. 2026.

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