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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Recent Examples of altruism
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
The Terms of Service of Anthropic’s defective altruism will never outweigh the safety, the readiness, or the lives of American troops on the battlefield.
—Tina Nguyen, The Verge, 28 Feb. 2026
This climactic collision is woven from several minor ethical tugs-of-war that rest on each character exhibiting both selfishness and altruism in various scenes, until their complicated humanity is placed under a harsh spotlight.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
Those diplomatic efforts to aid Congo were not simply motivated by altruism.
—Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Ajaypal Banga, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
The Terms of Service of Anthropic’s defective altruism will never outweigh the safety, the readiness, or the lives of American troops on the battlefield.
—Tina Nguyen, The Verge, 28 Feb. 2026
This climactic collision is woven from several minor ethical tugs-of-war that rest on each character exhibiting both selfishness and altruism in various scenes, until their complicated humanity is placed under a harsh spotlight.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
Those diplomatic efforts to aid Congo were not simply motivated by altruism.
—Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruism
Noun
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Beneath the surface, however, Bohm has faced obstacles and oddities, including a frightening elbow infection and a viral social media post touting his generosity that was untrue.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
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The event seeks to renew commitment to compassion, generosity and hope, and attendees will walk from Trinity Lutheran Church to the courthouse for a brief program followed by a reception and fellowship at Trinity.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Inn was founded by and remains owned by the Shorefast charity, which is dedicated to securing Fogo Island’s cultural and economic future.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
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In 1985 — more than 40 years ago — Cole started a very witty ad campaign in support of HIV/AIDS research and charities.—
Merle Ginsberg,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Most for-profit companies still confine nonprofit relationships to corporate philanthropy.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
26 Mar. 2026
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Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.—
Thalia Beaty,
Fortune,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Altruism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altruism. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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