philanthropic

adjective

phil·​an·​throp·​ic ˌfi-lən-ˈthrä-pik 

variants or less commonly philanthropical

ˌfi-lən-ˈthrä-pi-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by philanthropy : humanitarian

2

: dispensing or receiving aid from funds set aside for humanitarian purposes

philanthropically

ˌfi-lən-ˈthrä-pi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of philanthropic

• charitable
• humanitarian
• benevolent

Examples of philanthropic in a Sentence

a philanthropic society that has been doing good for over a century

Recent Examples on the Web

Sampson raised well over $1 billion in philanthropic resources alongside her team — leading and closing the inaugural $100 million Unite Forever endowment campaign three years ahead of schedule. —Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026

In some cases, researchers may have an idea that is not aligned strategically with how the university is raising philanthropic funds. —Brian Herman, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026

This program would create a voluntary, philanthropic pathway to fund park infrastructure and maintenance without charging people to park. —Shane Harris, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026

The Archewell Foundation formally launched in late 2020, establishing the philanthropic pillar of their new life outside the royal fold. —Erin Hill, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for philanthropic

• arthroscopic
• barotropic
• cystoscopic
• endoscopic
• gyroscopic
• hygroscopic
• isentropic
• isotopic
• isotropic
• macroscopic
• microscopic
• orthotopic

Kids Definition

philanthropic

adjective

phil·​an·​throp·​ic ˌfil-ən-ˈthräp-ik 

: of, relating to, or devoted to philanthropy : charitable, benevolent

philanthropical

-ˈthräp-i-kəl

adjective