generous

adjective

gen·er·ous | \ˈjen-rəs,

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

Other Words from generous Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about generous

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Choose the Right Synonym for generous

liberal, generous, bountiful, munificent mean giving or given freely and unstintingly. liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given. a teacher liberal with her praise generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift. a generous offer of help bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing. children spoiled by bountiful presents munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes. a munificent foundation grant

Examples of generous in a Sentence

The school raised the money through donations from generous alumni. He was generous with both his time and his money. She has always been very generous toward the poor. This restaurant is known for its generous portions. a generous helping of mashed potatoes She has a generous heart. He has generous sympathy for unemployed workers.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development analyzed maternity leave in 42 countries and found that the U.S. was the least generous of all the industrialized nations, guaranteeing no leave or pay. — Liz Tracy, Glamour, "My Life as a Work-at-Home-Mom Was Hell," 13 Sep. 2018 Risk-averse people who have the means to sock away some cash are now able to earn a decent — if not exactly generous — guaranteed return from bank savings, money market, and CD accounts. — Katheleen Conti, BostonGlobe.com, "Banks are offering higher interest rates for savings accounts. But you still need to be smart," 11 July 2018 The sudden shift may seem heavy-handed and the message a little obvious, but the music is beguiling, not so much simple as transparent and generous. — New York Times, "Is ‘Mass’ Leonard Bernstein’s Best Work, or His Worst?," 13 July 2018 Other Republicans said Wilson is not a racist, and is known around town as a friendly and generous person. — Shawn R. Beals, Courant Community, "Middletown Republicans Outraged After Drew Calls Chair Racist In Facebook Post," 13 July 2018 Advocates for considering legacy status argue that favoring the children—and, in some cases, grandchildren—of graduates helps maintain an engaged and generous alumni base and lets students serve as ambassadors to new campus arrivals. — Melissa Korn, WSJ, "How Much Does Being a Legacy Help Your College Admissions Odds?," 9 July 2018 Our leaders, are compassionate, understanding, kind, generous but also innovative, knowledgeable and supportive. — Fortune, "New American Funding," 26 June 2018 Every country has an obligation to protect its borders and its citizens, particularly one as expansive and as generous as the United States. — Fox News, "Sessions defends zero tolerance immigration policy," 19 June 2018 There was a massive on-site crawfish boil, served with corn and generous globs of butter, as well jambalaya and beer—an appropriately decadent feast for a pre-Mardi Gras party. — Bridget Hallinan, Condé Nast Traveler, "Recap: Anthony Bourdain's 'Parts Unknown' Goes to Cajun Country," 18 June 2018

These 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.