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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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

Few people are as involved in as many different charitable endeavors as Andrea Massey-Farrell.

— Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
The funding marks the first substantial philanthropic pledge toward the mayor’s plan, which city leaders hope to pay for by using a combination of tax dollars and charitable contributions.

— Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 28 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

Adjective

The new movie follows a benevolent ex-pilot named Hig (Jacob Elordi) who, after losing his wife during a catastrophic global pandemic, lives out in the wilderness with his dog, Jasper, and ornery isolationist pal Bangley (Josh Brolin).

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
City leaders agree large, unsupervised gatherings could put kids at risk even if most attendees are there for benevolent reasons.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of benevolent

Browse Nearby Words

altruist

altruistic

altruistically

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Altruistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altruistic. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of altruistic

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes