munificent

adjective mu·nif·i·cent \ myu̇-ˈni-fə-sənt \

Updated on: 2 Mar 2018

Definition of munificent

1 : very liberal in giving or bestowing (see bestow 4) : lavish

munificent donors

2 : characterized by great liberality or generosity

a munificent gift

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munificence

play \-sən(t)s\ noun

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munificently

adverb

See munificent defined for English-language learners

See munificent defined for kids

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Examples of munificent in a Sentence

a munificent host who has presided over many charitable events at his mansion

Recent Examples of munificent from the Web

The best song Oscars category has always been a curious creature, a mash-up of hits, snoozers and misfires, and a munificent source of Academy Awards moments that can astonish, or bore, or mortify.

— cara buckley, New York Times, "The Agony, Absurdity and Ecstasy of the Oscar for Best Song," 14 Feb. 2018
Summing up his desire to give a voice to the marginalized and overlooked, the munificent director even ponies up for an electric larynx when one of the brothers is rendered mute after an operation.

— neil young, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Cuba and the Cameraman': Film Review | Venice 2017," 17 Sep. 2017
But she was outnumbered by the other witnesses who, in varying degrees, said the pay system is outdated or relatively munificent.

— joe davidson | columnist, Washington Post, "Trump, Hill Republicans target ‘overly generous compensation’ for feds," 22 May 2017
His many munificent mutterings include: the Shadowy Shades of the Seraphim, the Seven Rings of Raggadorr and — who can forget? — the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth. 3.

— dana jennings, New York Times, "Review: ‘Doctor Strange’ and His Most Excellent Adventure NOV. 3, 2016," 27 Oct. 2016
His many munificent mutterings include: the Shadowy Shades of the Seraphim, the Seven Rings of Raggadorr and — who can forget? — the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth.

— dana jennings, New York Times, "Review: ‘Doctor Strange’ and His Most Excellent Adventure NOV. 3, 2016," 27 Oct. 2016
This perception reminds us that the Voting Rights Act was not passed as part of an inexorable march toward full citizenship that proceeded from the essentially munificent heart of an exceptional America.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "Look How Very Far We Still Have To Go," 26 Feb. 2013

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'munificent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

Munificent was formed back in the late 1500s when English speakers, perhaps inspired by similar words such as "magnificent," altered the ending of "munificence." "Munificence" in turn comes from "munificus," the Latin word for "generous," which itself comes from "munus," a Latin noun that is variously translated as "gift," "duty," or "service." "Munus" has done a fine service to English by giving us other terms related to service or compensation, including "municipal" and "remunerate."

Origin and Etymology of munificent

back-formation from munificence, from Latin munificentia, from munificus generous, from munus service, gift — more at mean

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1565

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

munificent Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of munificent

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.