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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 selflessness
Speaking to Justin Barrasso of the , Styles admitted the introduction caught him by surprise and praised Cena's selflessness in highlighting Styles' entire career journey.
—
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
His awareness — and selflessness — played in Daniel Munoz for Palace’s goal.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
His career was marked by courage and selflessness, according to the agency.
—Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Barkov is seldom the team’s leading goal scorer but usually tops in assists, as last season, an apt mirror of his selflessness.
—Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Arisu sacrifices himself in the last game, but this act of selflessness is what wins.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2025
That, to me, is the ultimate courage and the ultimate act of selflessness, which is this beautiful, huge arc that Jordan is continuing to go on.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Pam has some nice things to say about her parents’ selflessness but then turns cold again when Marie realizes Annabeth was living here.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Hijiri is a paragon of selflessness who teaches Scarlet that living for others is the only fulfilling way.
—Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
His awareness — and selflessness — played in Daniel Munoz for Palace’s goal.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
His career was marked by courage and selflessness, according to the agency.
—Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Barkov is seldom the team’s leading goal scorer but usually tops in assists, as last season, an apt mirror of his selflessness.
—Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Arisu sacrifices himself in the last game, but this act of selflessness is what wins.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2025
That, to me, is the ultimate courage and the ultimate act of selflessness, which is this beautiful, huge arc that Jordan is continuing to go on.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Pam has some nice things to say about her parents’ selflessness but then turns cold again when Marie realizes Annabeth was living here.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Hijiri is a paragon of selflessness who teaches Scarlet that living for others is the only fulfilling way.
—Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selflessness
Noun
-
The Brown family is among the wealthiest families in the country, and its generosity over generations has left an undeniable mark on Louisville.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Still, Kozlin says she was overwhelmed by Evelyn’s generosity.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In the end, even kindness comes with a price tag.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Likewise, the children of the late Minnesota Speaker of the House who was gunned down last summer, Melissa Hortman, also reminded us that the only way out is to treat each other with kindness and respect—a useful message for our political leaders and fellow citizens to heed.—
Time,
Time,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Sara Shallenberger Brown was a trailblazer for the family in terms of philanthropy.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
-
In addition, John Arnold has a Forbes philanthropy score of 5 out of 5.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Ball, since coming into the NBA from UCLA, is one of the best minds on the basketball court, possessing the vision and unselfishness that James also prides himself on.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
-
That includes quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who says part of the team’s success this year can be attributed to that unit’s unselfishness.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This isn’t just about altruism, though.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Is there a way forward for the 98% of Gen Zers who put self-care, authenticity, and altruism above company success and career propulsion?—
Suzy Welch,
CNBC,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Selflessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selflessness. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share