benefactor
noun
ben·e·fac·tor
ˈbe-nə-ˌfak-tər 
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A benefactor may be involved in almost any field. One may endow a scholarship fund; another may give money to expand a library; still another may leave a generous sum to a hospital in her will. The famous benefactions of John D. Rockefeller included the gifts that established the University of Chicago, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Rockefeller University. Many benefactors have reported that giving away their money turned out to be the most rewarding thing they ever did.
Examples of benefactor in a Sentence
With the help of a rich benefactor he set up a charity.
an anonymous benefactor gave the school a dozen new computers
Recent Examples on the Web
Seniors-For-Seniors — The $75 adoption fee will be paid by a RCHS benefactor for any senior person (60 years or older) adopting a senior pet (7 years or older) Pets for Patriots — Adoption fees waived for San Diego veterans.
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Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
His experiments are saved by Henrich Harlander (Christoph Waltz), a wealthy benefactor who funds Victor's work.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026
The decisions and forces that affect society, that dictate the livelihoods and well-being of its citizens, are at the mercy of the market, and the now frighteningly transparent ways that the market serves and benefits its dutiful governmental benefactors.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
This contribution is more than double the contributions received from any benefactor at one time.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benefactor
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Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
His experiments are saved by Henrich Harlander (Christoph Waltz), a wealthy benefactor who funds Victor's work.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026
The decisions and forces that affect society, that dictate the livelihoods and well-being of its citizens, are at the mercy of the market, and the now frighteningly transparent ways that the market serves and benefits its dutiful governmental benefactors.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
This contribution is more than double the contributions received from any benefactor at one time.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benefactor
Cite this Entry
“Benefactor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benefactor. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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