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 The selfless acts aren’t just feel-good stories for business. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Because the idea that Carla’s character would challenge the selfless-mother stereotype is compelling, the show’s razor-thin characterization of her is frustrating. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 Especially if your friends have busy lives or don't often reach out to make plans, putting in the work to stay in touch may seem like a fundamentally selfless gesture. — Renée Onque, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026 Stagg coach Mike Kealy named Woznik a captain during summer training, acknowledging his natural leadership and selfless play. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 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
  • Expect hot dishes, a tapioca station, a generous bread spread, and free-flowing sparkling wine alongside an à la carte menu.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • It's been more than a decade since tech companies first came to Ohio, drawn by the state's inexpensive and abundant land, its energy infrastructure and its generous tax breaks.
    — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of generous
Adjective
  • His legal team has said that Chambers has strictly donated to lawful Gaza and Palestine humanitarian and philanthropic aid projects, and O’Shea believes them.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Some billionaires have also pledged philanthropic contributions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Definition of philanthropic
Adjective
  • Gentle parenting has become a buzzword on social media, often presented as a calm, connected, and compassionate alternative to traditional discipline.
    — Alex Vance, Parents, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Others discussed overcoming the initial awkwardness of the work and finding satisfaction in helping doctors become more competent and compassionate.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • The patron saint of charitable societies, he is primarily recognized for his charity and compassion for the poor, though he is also known for his reform of the clergy and for his early role in opposing Jansenism.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Tax law changes have prompted businesses to reconsider their charitable strategies.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • Media companies — like ours — will be there to keep you company, of course, in our case with superb analysis and a thoughtful afternoon livestream.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Woobles Beginner Crochet Amigurumi Kits are fun for experienced stitchers and beginners alike, and make for thoughtful holiday gifts, too.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • Then there are his more humane roles in the likes of Twins (1988), Terms of Endearment (1983), and Junior (1994).
    — Kelly Martinez, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2026
  • But despite decades of visioning, the buildings are still not connected in a meaningful, humane way.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • Zelenskyy had said on X that the strikes first targeted the former school that was used for regular distributions of humanitarian aid and then took aim at a nearby shelter.
    — Derek Gatopoulos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Instead, local authorities are using it as an administrative center and humanitarian hub.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • Atlanta plays unselfish basketball, but sticks largely to its starters; Golden State has more of an all-hands-on-deck arrangement.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Lewandowski's unselfish pass to a wide-open Haile-Selassie at the back post capped the scoring in the 88th minute.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2026.

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