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 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 Nehemiah’s selfless leadership benefited his Jewish community in many ways. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Sep. 2026 Since his Vuelta win, Kuss has mostly reverted to selfless domestique duties, helping Vingegaard to win the 2025 Vuelta and 2026 Giro. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 11 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
  • Amenities and experiences Dublin’s literary heritage, inspired by the likes of Oscar Wilde, seeps through the walls of The Wilder Townhouse and is reflected in thoughtful details throughout the entire experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Eddie Pepperell, among the most thoughtful players, missed the cut last week in South Korea and wound up one spot out of a full European tour card for 2027.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 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
  • Over the weekend, political leaders from Marsabit County warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis that could overwhelm host communities already struggling with food and water shortages worsened by climate change.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Pope Leo also discussed the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky on an October 16 phone call with Putin while in the hospital recovering from lung cancer surgery, according to the Vatican.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 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 2 Nov. 2026.

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