helping others
4 synonyms and 2 antonyms for helping others, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act or practice of giving assistance to other people, especially freely and without expecting anything in return.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
selfishness
self-interest
How to use helping others
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
helping others in need
dedicated to helping others
the joy of helping others
committed to helping others
Neutral. Common in personal statements, job applications, charity copy and religious writing, where it can sound clichéd if left unexplained.
Frequently asked questions
Why does helping others make you feel good?
Assisting someone reliably lifts mood, an effect researchers often call the helper's high. It is generally explained by a combination of social connection, a sense of purpose and the reward response that comes with a completed, visibly useful act.
What is the difference between helping others and altruism?
Helping others describes the behaviour, whatever the motive — you might do it for pay, for reputation or out of duty. Altruism specifically means acting for another's benefit at some cost to yourself, with no expectation of return.
