generous
adjective
ˈje-nə- \
Definition of generous
1 archaic : highborn
2a : characterized by a noble or kindly spirit : magnanimous, kindly a generous heart
b : liberal in giving : openhanded a generous benefactor
c : marked by abundance or ample proportions wide overhangs and generous verandas —Lewis Mumford : copious a thin salt-and-pepper moustache interrupted by a generous nose —Richard Zabel
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms & Antonyms for generous
Synonyms
bighearted, bounteous, bountiful, charitable, free, freehanded, freehearted, fulsome, liberal, munificent, open, openhanded, unselfish, unsparing, unstinting
Antonyms
cheap, close, closefisted, mingy, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, selfish, stingy, stinting, tight, tightfisted, uncharitable
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of generous in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lately, the authorities have become more generous still. — The Economist, "India’s government claims to subsidise farmers, but actually hurts them," 12 July 2018 The groups would be considered political party committees, which have more generous financial contribution limits than legislative candidates. — Taryn Luna, sacbee, "More campaign money could flow to California legislative leaders under new bill," 11 July 2018 In families, jealousy over one another’s cool experiences is natural, but a smart partner anchors to the more generous response. — Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, "Dad may have to choose between wife and child," 11 July 2018 In families, jealousy over one another’s cool experiences is natural, but a smart partner anchors to the more generous response. — Amy Dickinson, chicagotribune.com, "Long distance may force a choice: Partner or child," 11 July 2018 No more generous musician or one with a more expansive heart. — Mark Swed, latimes.com, "As a conductor, composer and man, Oliver Knussen was larger than life," 10 July 2018 In families, jealousy over one another’s cool experiences is natural, but a smart partner anchors to the more generous response. — Amy Dickinson, BostonGlobe.com, "Dad may have to choose between his child and partner," 9 July 2018 Maybe your greatest power is your sharp ability to keep desiring a world greener or softer or more generous than this one. — Jenny Sharaf, The Cut, "Madame Clairevoyant: Horoscopes for the Week of June 25," 25 June 2018 Even by this more generous reading, Trump is waxing enthusiastic once again for the governing style of the world’s most ruthless dictators. — Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump: My People Should ‘Sit Up in Attention’ Like Kim Jong-un’s Staff," 15 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'generous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for generous
generous
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of generous
: freely giving or sharing money and other valuable things
: providing more than the amount that is needed or normal : abundant or ample
: showing kindness and concern for others
See the full definition for generous in the English Language Learners Dictionary
generous
adjective
ˈjen-rəs \
Kids Definition of generous
1 : freely giving or sharing She was generous with her time.
2 : providing more than enough of what is needed : abundant a generous supply
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on generous
What made you want to look up generous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Name that Food Quiz
-
- Name these cookies!
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share generous
Resources for generous