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
Instead of the cold eye from Silicon Valley, the family investor is motivated in large part by altruism.
—
Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
The charity announced the donation on Instagram, thanking the singer for her act of altruism.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 23 Dec. 2025
Yes, the public pronouncements about corporate altruism have waned and many leaders have adjusted their messaging and, in some cases, strategies.
—Greg Behrman, Time, 19 Dec. 2025
But people critical of the effective altruism movement have increasingly singled out the new organization in unsubtle ways.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
The charity announced the donation on Instagram, thanking the singer for her act of altruism.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 23 Dec. 2025
Yes, the public pronouncements about corporate altruism have waned and many leaders have adjusted their messaging and, in some cases, strategies.
—Greg Behrman, Time, 19 Dec. 2025
But people critical of the effective altruism movement have increasingly singled out the new organization in unsubtle ways.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruism
Noun
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The Gem State’s generosity is supported by above-average volunteer rates and neighborliness, according to My Counselor.—
Hali Smith,
Idaho Statesman,
13 Feb. 2026
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These lineages of genius and generosity, our inheritances of these epistemologies and practices may soon become our only defense, our only offense, and our only wealth.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Think of Woodstock-era sung-and-spoken condemnations of the Vietnam War, the 1980s megaconcerts and charity singles inspired by famine in Ethiopia and apartheid in South Africa, and the Rock Against Bush compilations that challenged America’s invasion of Iraq.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
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Prices start at $198, and a portion of the proceeds will go towards Community Footprints, The Ritz-Carlton’s initiative benefitting local charities that focus on the environment, education, and social mobility.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The millions in funding included philanthropy, funding for upkeep of Fair Park and rent to the city with funds going toward Fair Park improvements.—
Aria Jones,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
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Vargo credits the Eskenazis for raising the bar for philanthropy in Indianapolis.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Altruism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altruism. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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