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
With acts of courage, themes of selflessness, and standing in the gap for others, this movie is a challenging and beautiful watch for the entire family.
—
Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
DeRosa was referring to the camaraderie among the players, their selflessness, their willingness to make whatever sacrifice is necessary for the team.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
The most agonizing and gripping sections of the book for me are the poet’s raw observations about where selflessness can lead you (as in Kimon’s exploitation by his culture, and younger writers) and how self-interest can be a kind of armor.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
There’s an obvious selflessness with Lehkonen that endears him to teammates and fans alike.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Rob Kos, a special education teacher at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, was anonymously nominated for a LifeChanger of the Year award, citing his selflessness and dedication to helping struggling students.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed with fasting, prayer and selflessness.
—Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 2026
The elder Allen agreed that Dante’s selflessness and tireless work rate is rare.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Several guests gushed about Frances and Harold's selflessness to the local news station.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
DeRosa was referring to the camaraderie among the players, their selflessness, their willingness to make whatever sacrifice is necessary for the team.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
The most agonizing and gripping sections of the book for me are the poet’s raw observations about where selflessness can lead you (as in Kimon’s exploitation by his culture, and younger writers) and how self-interest can be a kind of armor.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
There’s an obvious selflessness with Lehkonen that endears him to teammates and fans alike.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Rob Kos, a special education teacher at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, was anonymously nominated for a LifeChanger of the Year award, citing his selflessness and dedication to helping struggling students.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed with fasting, prayer and selflessness.
—Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 2026
The elder Allen agreed that Dante’s selflessness and tireless work rate is rare.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Several guests gushed about Frances and Harold's selflessness to the local news station.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selflessness
Noun
-
Setting a more realistic limit can support both generosity and stability.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2026
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Researchers look at six factors including GDP per capita, life expectancy, generosity and perceptions of freedom and corruption to help account for variations among countries.—
Jeanne Bonner,
CNN Money,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But perhaps most importantly, Soluna exudes a kindness and warm that influences the world around her.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Her books focus on themes of encouraging kindness, self-worth, friendship, love, family, respect, resilience, inclusion and appreciating cultural heritage.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Legacy of philanthropy and creativity Shepard founded The KIS Foundation in 2006 to raise awareness for sickle cell disease, which predominantly impacts people of color.—
Noelle Lilley,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The program is also supported by corporate philanthropy from Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Visa, Gap and others.—
Roger Vincent,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But what gets me most excited is the loving family experiences, the relationships with neighbors and friends, the pride in community accomplishments, the lives touched by unselfishness.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
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Finch’s offensive system demands unselfishness and improvisation.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Providing service to others seems like a good cure for what ails us today — a true lack of altruism and looking out for each other regardless of race, gender or religion, etc.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Whether the motivations are development, altruism, returns or security, there is a role and reward for putting energy and resources into this effort.—
Ajaypal Banga,
Twin Cities,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Selflessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selflessness. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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