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
Diggs has been praised since signing with the Patriots in March for his leadership and selflessness.
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Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
His diligence and selflessness will be assets throughout his career.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Clarence accesses George’s backstory, learning about his childhood and how his selflessness ultimately led to feelings of regret, with an innocent mistake nearly sending him over the edge.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Dec. 2025
Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, this sweetheart of a guy who runs a building and loan association in the town of Bedford Falls, just the soul of decency and kindness and selflessness.
—Ted Koppel, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
His bravery, selflessness and stewardship on behalf of his community went far beyond what anyone could ever hope from a tip.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2025
Both Waddle and center Aaron Brewer raved about Tagovailoa’s selflessness.
—Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
The department decided to use Clark and Oakley’s legacy of kindness, selflessness and doing good for others as the driving force behind the annual initiative, according to Chief Deb Faulkner.
—Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Dec. 2025
Now brighter days are finally within reach, due in part to support from The JoBro Foundation, the United Way partner agency that recognized Tifani’s resilience and selflessness in nominating her for the Wish List.
—Andy Smith, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selflessness
Noun
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After the campaign collected $1,503,533 from more than 38,500 donations, the organizers posted a note thanking contributors for their generosity.—
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If your grandchild attends one of these schools and receives financial aid, check with the school’s financial aid office about how your generosity could affect their aid package.—
Noun
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For months afterward, kindness arrived in unexpected forms — neighbors bringing food, strangers offering furniture, friends calling daily.—
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Does their lack of kindness grant you permission to respond with equal insensitivity or even cruelty?—
Noun
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In 2010 Gates, his wife at the time Melinda French Gates, and Berkshire Hathaway co-founder Warren Buffett launched the Giving Pledge, making a public commitment to philanthropy, which has since been signed by the likes of philanthropist Mackenzie Scott and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky.—
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According to Franyo, the restaurant, located on Restaurant Row, requires investments into its staff and community philanthropy.—
Noun
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Even on a night when the team shot poorly, Edwards’ unselfishness Friday resulted in a game in which Minnesota had six players score 13-plus points.—
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Notably, his father-in-law’s unselfishness started him on the road to recovery in 1968.—
Noun
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The charity announced the donation on Instagram, thanking the singer for her act of altruism.—
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Yes, the public pronouncements about corporate altruism have waned and many leaders have adjusted their messaging and, in some cases, strategies.—
Cite this Entry
“Selflessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selflessness. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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