ALTRUISTIC Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

altruistic

adjective

ˌal-trü-ˈi-stik

Definition of altruistic

as in philanthropic

having or showing a concern for the welfare of others I'm not being altruistic in giving you these books, since I was going to have to lug them with me if you hadn't come along

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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 altruistic Of course, cartoons infused with blood don’t have the most altruistic desires. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Katherine is sympathetic and altruistic, two other words that describe the sentimental nature of the water sign’s personality. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 Savonarola is unapologetically altruistic and unflinching in his critique of the Vatican. — Charles Lewis Iii, Mercury News, 24 July 2026 Despite those altruistic goals, from the beginning, the commission faced criticism that the composition and agenda of the body were slanted toward a conservative Christian perspective. — Steven K. Green, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for altruistic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruistic

Adjective

His legal team has said that Chambers has strictly donated to lawful Gaza and Palestine humanitarian and philanthropic aid projects, and O’Shea believes them.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
Some billionaires have also pledged philanthropic contributions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026

Definition of philanthropic

Adjective

Ford Motor Company has its own charitable arm, Ford Philanthropy, which is funded by the company’s earnings.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Another friend, Wanda Love, was a longtime head of a local chamber of commerce who participated in charitable causes.

— Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of charitable

Adjective

Over the weekend, political leaders from Marsabit County warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis that could overwhelm host communities already struggling with food and water shortages worsened by climate change.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Pope Leo also discussed the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky on an October 16 phone call with Putin while in the hospital recovering from lung cancer surgery, according to the Vatican.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of humanitarian

Adjective

Larger-than-life Halloween celebrations rise up every October like the Great Pumpkin (or a benevolent spooky spirit or two) to captivate visitors with parades, caramel apples, costume contests, and more.

— Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026
Promotional images and films conjured a playful, adaptable and benevolent house — plastic as the building block of family happiness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of benevolent

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

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Synonyms of altruistic

adjective

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