philanthropist

Definition of philanthropistnext
as in benefactor
a wealthy person who gives money and time to help make life better for other people a philanthropist known to generously donate to those organizations that help the poor

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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 philanthropist The backstory Educator, journalist, and philanthropist Pleasant Rowland—best known to the world as the creator of the American Girl line of dolls—graduated from Wells College, a former school in town, in 1962. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 The chapel is set for completion in 2026 and is named after the philanthropists who gifted FIU $14 million to support the construction of the building. Florida International University, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Described as a Porsche collector and philanthropist, the buyer will donate $1 million each to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the American Red Cross and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, according to a news release. Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 30 June 2026 After Bezos’ ex-wife, noted philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, was praised for donating over $26 billion through her foundation, Yield Giving, Musk criticized her efforts. Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for philanthropist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for philanthropist
Noun
  • Swift’s name came up as a possible wealthy benefactor to pay for a new football stadium in Kansas City.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • His estranged sister, played by Natalie Portman, joins him on the quest which is financed by Domhnall Gleeson's billionaire benefactor character Owen Carver.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Sutton said The Wounded Blue first purchased the officer a wheelchair before connecting him with a renowned spinal surgeon through the same anonymous donor.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
  • And the National Park Foundation’s president has told Congress that donors who request anonymity will not be disclosed, according to congressional Democrats.
    Luke Fountain, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • That’s the gold standard of cancer designations that allows patients and donators alike to understand Sylvester’s standards.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The new group is actively looking for volunteers, members and donators, SAMENA Collective Membership Chairman Wali Qazizada said.
    Annika Bahnsen, Orange County Register, 19 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Philanthropist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philanthropist. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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