selflessness

noun

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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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 Dolly Parton’s generosity is coming into sharper focus in the days following her death, with new details about her final health battle underscoring the same selflessness that defined so much of her public life. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 27 Aug. 2026 Head coach Jose Fernandez has praised the Wings’ all-time leading scorer for her selflessness and leadership this season. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026 It's based on a true story and really shows the selflessness and sacrifice that come with caring for a pet. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026 The running back room is a good example of how a concoction of elite talent and selflessness has paid dividends. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 The governor praised Rampersad for living a life of courage and selflessness. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 31 July 2026 The endeavor ultimately showed how the group’s interdependent dynamic made for constant self-incrimination and insensitivity masquerading as selflessness. — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026 But that selflessness comes to feel like the point of this lingering, resonantly sad film — above all else, an elegy for lives unseen and unknown. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 July 2026 Second, selflessness was paramount, exemplified by Brunson's contract sacrifice for team flexibility. — Robert Reiss, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selflessness
  1. generosity
  2. kindness
  3. philanthropy
  4. unselfishness
  5. altruism
Noun
  • Charities should seize on that and message around the benefit that leaning into generosity has for people’s wallets and their communities—one that opens the door to a teaching moment.
    — Dale Bannon, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Their generosity, humanity and belief in the importance of fashion as art, culture and history – as well as their understanding of human fragility and the possibility of growth – will remain with me always.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • If someone consistently behaves with kindness, generosity, and consideration, even when these behaviors require effort or self-restraint, their motives may be less important than their actions.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The singer was so well known for helping out that fake stories are hard to refute, because even extraordinary acts of kindness sound like something Parton would do.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • The showcase is supported by Allison Sarofim, the chair of Friends of the CFDA known for her work in the arts, film, fashion, beauty, and philanthropy.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • One of the most beloved celebrities of all time, her passing inspired a tidal wave of tributes from around the world, with Parton remembered not just for her music but for her acting career, decades of philanthropy and advocacy.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of philanthropy
Noun
  • The intangibles, the raw strength built lifting in the weight room, and his unselfishness.
    — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Lendeborg’s passing ability and unselfishness will also endear him to Steve Kerr, while his ability to cover ground in transition and run the court should fit well.
    — Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of unselfishness
Noun
  • Patel viewed it more as a high-stakes litmus test of his wealthy audience’s altruism.
    — Anna Tong, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Carol is alternately enchanted and frustrated by her husband’s innocence and altruism, which led him to his not particularly remunerative career as an interpreter.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 July 2026
Definition of altruism

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selflessly
selflessness
self-loader
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Cite this Entry

“Selflessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selflessness. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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