as in generosity
a tendency to regard the well-being of others as more important than one's own well-being
She was widely admired for her selflessness and dedication to the cause.
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Recent Examples of selflessness
Hijiri is a paragon of selflessness who teaches Scarlet that living for others is the only fulfilling way.
—
Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
But more than anything else, Truwit applauds her friend's character and selflessness.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
To see that courage and selflessness in action firsthand was truly incredible.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2025
Each day in practice, Foster and his staff awarded it to the player who best embodied the grit, discipline, and selflessness the team demanded.
—Christina Daves, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025
His selflessness will go on to save and change many lives.
—Liam Quinn, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Stanton's willingness to play outfield, despite his injury history, shows a selflessness that is appreciated by Judge and his New York Yankees teammates.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Cummings met Jacob around the same time and gravitated toward his selflessness and desire for community.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2025
Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
But more than anything else, Truwit applauds her friend's character and selflessness.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
To see that courage and selflessness in action firsthand was truly incredible.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2025
Each day in practice, Foster and his staff awarded it to the player who best embodied the grit, discipline, and selflessness the team demanded.
—Christina Daves, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025
His selflessness will go on to save and change many lives.
—Liam Quinn, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Stanton's willingness to play outfield, despite his injury history, shows a selflessness that is appreciated by Judge and his New York Yankees teammates.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Cummings met Jacob around the same time and gravitated toward his selflessness and desire for community.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selflessness
Noun
-
Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
-
But this in charity affects people’s generosity.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
He's spent 20 years repaying this debt kindness.—
Maggie Menderski,
The Courier-Journal,
2 Sep. 2025
-
We are all moved by her kindness and gratefulness in the midst of pain.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Dan and Jennifer Gilbert have been powerful forces in metro Detroit philanthropy, including through their Gilbert Family Foundation.—
JC Reindl,
Freep.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Education and health care have been the biggest recipients of billionaire philanthropy over the past decades.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Much more than just a one-dimensional floor spacer, Johnson will be another essential hub in a system built on trust (especially that of Jokic, who has the highest respect for the smartest players), movement, and unselfishness.—
Joel Rush,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Even before the crypto fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried tarnished the name of effective altruism (EA), the movement had backed itself into tight corners.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Almost all food recalls are made by the manufacturing company voluntarily, but not out of altruism.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Selflessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selflessness. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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