altruism

noun

Definition of altruismnext
as in generosity
feelings and behavior that show a desire to help other people and a lack of selfishness charitable acts motivated purely by altruism In one final act of altruism, she donated almost all of her money to the hospital.

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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 altruism These positive connotations associated with scientific research help the AI industry signal altruism while downplaying their profit-making ambitions. — Matthew Sun, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 Its founders and many of its early employees were sympathetic to the utilitarian philosophical movement known as effective altruism. — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026 But any thoughts of altruism fly out the window when, as happened this month, those doughnuts come from The Donuttery in Huntington Beach. — Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2026 Patel viewed it more as a high-stakes litmus test of his wealthy audience’s altruism. — Anna Tong, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for altruism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruism
  1. generosity
  2. charity
  3. philanthropy
Noun
  • Woolf treats this psychic drama seriously and with great generosity and tenderness.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
  • My response was to remind them that their generosity could have big financial consequences.
    — Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • Asher’s, while primarily responsible for its own brand of chocolate bars and other assortments, will occasionally produce chocolate for bands, brands, charities and other companies.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • This approach also works when someone claims to represent a bank, charity or government agency.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of charity
Noun
  • Catherine Gros, vice president of art, heritage and philanthropy at Renault Group, noted the factory once employed more than 30,000 people, producing a car every 90 seconds.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Since women place a greater emphasis on philanthropy, and more family fortunes are passing to women, philanthropy is likely to become more central to family offices.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of philanthropy

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altricial
altruism
altruist
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Cite this Entry

“Altruism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altruism. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on altruism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about altruism

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