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 of charitable

• philanthropic
• humanitarian
• 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

Among Parton’s charitable efforts aimed at education was her Imagination Library, which has distributed more than 300 million books to children worldwide over the past 30 years. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026

Trump’s legislation also added a charitable deduction for filers who don’t itemize tax breaks, worth up to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for married couples. — Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

Information copied or obtained from FEC reports about individual contributors cannot legally be sold or used to solicit political or charitable contributions or for commercial purposes. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Harry’s vow to invoke his mother in future charitable endeavors sits in stark contrast to older brother Prince William’s approach. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026

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