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 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 But beginning on February 11, 2022 108 healthy adults from across the United States performed an act of selfless generosity. — Literary Hub, 11 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
  • For the first time since at least 1974, new homes are selling for less than existing ones, and the culprit is a mix of builders getting generous and sellers refusing to budge.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • Each bite felt grounded, familiar, and generous, the kind of food that matches a courtyard full of old walls and low conversation.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of generous
Adjective
  • The expansion is possible because Hartford Hospital received a $250,000 grant through The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund by The Cigna Group Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group go to the Food4Health program.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026
  • Andre Dowell is founder and president of the National Philanthropic Foundation, advancing philanthropic legacy, next generation leadership, and civic understanding.
    — Andre Dowell, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Definition of philanthropic
Adjective
  • The show featured the late Chief Judge Frank Caprio, who was known for his compassionate and humorous approach in the courtroom.
    — Paul Edward Parker, The Providence Journal, 16 July 2026
  • Neill is great at balancing the aggro energy of Zane with his intellectual, compassionate style.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • The show serves a charitable cause too, supporting FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to raise $100 million through the world cup efforts.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2026
  • Since 2017, Miller’s posts about players and prospects, primarily on X, have been increasingly interspersed with calls for followers to donate to charitable campaigns.
    — Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • The service The staff are polite and attentive, and will provide thoughtful touches, such as leaving birthday cakes for guests.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026
  • Other smart, thoughtful features are scattered throughout the Columbus Liner interior.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • After the inspector finished with this Dunkin’ franchise, owned by Sugar Land, Texas’ HZ Coffee Group, PETA came in with an email to Dunkin’ President Scott Murphy on behalf of humane rodent treatment.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • Two New World screwworm cases in dogs are among more than 30 confirmed instances in Texas and New Mexico, prompting warnings Wednesday from veterinarians and humane societies that pet owners need to remain vigilant to protect their animals.
    — John Hanna, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • Four Democratic candidates for county offices spoke before the march and described the jail system as a humanitarian crisis being neglected by the Republican majority elected to Tarrant County Commissioners Court.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
  • The White House has repeatedly threatened to oust Cuba’s communist regime, sanctioning key figures and state entities, and tightening a trade embargo that has led to a humanitarian crisis in the Caribbean nation.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • 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
  • Though Bridges’ clank to conclude the evening was hardly the reason for the defeat, the possession was exemplary of a rare issue for New York, one of the league’s cleverest and most unselfish squads.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 10 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on selfless

Nglish: Translation of selfless for Spanish Speakers

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