SELF-FLAGELLATING Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

self-flagellating

adjective

as in altruistic

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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 self-flagellating At times, Carol’s admirable rebelliousness seems to come at the cost of self-flagellating destruction, a badge of honor to be miserable. — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-flagellating

Adjective

Of course, cartoons infused with blood don’t have the most altruistic desires.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Katherine is sympathetic and altruistic, two other words that describe the sentimental nature of the water sign’s personality.

— Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of altruistic

Adjective

As Cuba’s hot summer nears its end with no sign of regime change on the communist-run island, Cubans continue to suffer miserable living conditions as the country’s humanitarian crisis gets disturbingly worse.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
Elisha Wiesel, son of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel and chairman of the humanitarian organization that bears his father’s name, also joined the call to reconsider the honor.

— Amber Garrett, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of humanitarian

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

Deadpool is proving to be surprisingly magnanimous as the flippant character loses a box office record to The Odyssey.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
But Zakir Avşar, a professor at Ankara’s Hacı Bayram Veli University, urges a more magnanimous view of developments.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of magnanimous

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

Adjective

Anyone who tries to pass will have our self-sacrificing heroes in the IRGC Navy and Army set their ships on fire.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2026
There’s the self-sacrificing Texas teenager who’s helping her mom make ends meet by cashing out her own college fund.

— Jason Linkins, The New Republic, 25 Feb. 2023

Definition of self-sacrificing

Adjective

Like Congress passing campaign-finance regulation actually is like a pretty self-denying thing Congress has done.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026
The tension between the self-denying demands of being a Kennedy wife and Carolyn’s assured self-determination sets the framework for this love story.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026

Definition of self-denying

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

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Synonyms of self-flagellating

adjective

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