charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈcher-ə-tə-bəl 

ˈcha-rə-

1

: full of love for and goodwill toward others : benevolent

2

a

: liberal in benefactions to the needy : generous

b

: of or relating to charity

charitable institutions

3

: merciful or kind in judging others : lenient

charitableness noun

charitably

ˈcher-ə-tə-blē 

ˈcha-rə-

adverb

Synonyms

• philanthropic
• humanitarian
• philanthropical
• benevolent

Examples of charitable in a Sentence

She makes a charitable donation every year.

He performs charitable work to help the poor.

They give money to charitable causes.

She has tried to be charitable about her sister's problems.

Half of the class has a chance at passing the test, and that is a charitable estimate.

Recent Examples on the Web

Buckingham, on her part, just wants to know the whereabouts of Rak and to go forward with other charitable efforts. —Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025

The charitable event, which launched in 2006 as an offshoot of the 24 Hour Plays project, has strict rules. —Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 June 2025

Amazingly, net profits are all donated to charitable causes. —Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Prince William’s charitable team was not aware of the Mondejar Foundation, nor of its attempts to solicit donations through an exclusive networking group called A Small World by offering access to the royal couple via the polo event. —Janine Henni, People.com, 30 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing charitable

• charitable gift

Rhymes for charitable

• uncharitable

Kids Definition

charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈchar-ət-ə-bəl 

1

: freely giving money or help to poor and needy persons : generous

2

: given for the needy : of service to the needy

charitable funds

a charitable institution

3

: kindly in judging other people

charitableness noun

charitably

-blē 

adverb

Legal Definition

charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble

: of or relating to charity

charitable contributions