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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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 To my father, wellness was not a goal to be optimized, but rather something that came naturally with a curious, family-oriented, and altruistic existence. — Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Fortune, 21 June 2026 Once dominated by altruistic non-profits, hospice now attracts sophisticated criminal networks. — Wes Kilgore, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 The word also implies a certain curtailing of altruistic ambitions. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 Reiter, however, began to suspect that Epstein’s altruistic endeavors had ulterior motives. — Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for altruistic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for altruistic

Adjective

Some billionaires have also pledged philanthropic contributions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
That would have been even a few more million bucks on top of what already looks more like a philanthropic civic act more than a savvy investment on Tullman’s impassioned part, but an enthusiastic punter can dream.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Definition of philanthropic

Adjective

The goal is to show that philanthropy belongs to them, too — not just the historically wealthier and predominantly white charitable institutions that tend to dominate narratives about philanthropy.

— James Pollard, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Make sure estate documents and beneficiary designations reflect your wishes, including charitable giving.

— Angie O’Leary, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of charitable

Adjective

Fraying lifeline Barred from legally working in Bangladesh, Rohingya depend almost entirely on humanitarian assistance.

— Lorcan Lovett, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
Democratic senators and humanitarian groups questioned whether the cuts to the civilian protection personnel also contributed to the school tragedy.

— Megan Rose, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of humanitarian

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altruistic

altruistically

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

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Synonyms of altruistic

adjective

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