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
There is evidence that kindness and altruism are innate, or at least demonstrated by even the youngest children.
—
Jenisha Watts, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
Providing service to others seems like a good cure for what ails us today — a true lack of altruism and looking out for each other regardless of race, gender or religion, etc.
—Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Advertisement The company has deep roots in effective altruism (EA), a social and philanthropic movement dedicated to using reason to do the most good, including by averting catastrophe.
—Harry Booth, Time, 11 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Jenisha Watts, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
Providing service to others seems like a good cure for what ails us today — a true lack of altruism and looking out for each other regardless of race, gender or religion, etc.
—Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Advertisement The company has deep roots in effective altruism (EA), a social and philanthropic movement dedicated to using reason to do the most good, including by averting catastrophe.
—Harry Booth, Time, 11 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for altruism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruism
Noun
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This is the generosity of Hamaguchi’s storytelling.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
15 May 2026
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Saint Zdislava of Lemberk lived from 1220 to 1252 and was known for her generosity and work for the poor.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
Noun
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This wasn’t a charity All-Star appointment.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
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Parker and wife Victoriah Bech Parker run a Skid Row charity.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2026
Noun
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Urrea, a professor of creative writing, is among 252 leaders in academia, the arts, industry, journalism, philanthropy, policy, research and science elected in 2026, a university news release said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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Miami’s business and lifestyle news spans gun policy, soccer tourism, billionaire real estate and celebrity philanthropy.—
Jeff Kleinman,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Altruism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altruism. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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