BENEFACTRESS Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

benefactress

noun

Definition of benefactress

as in benefactor

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of benefactress The company gained a benefactress (Lois Pope), later parted ways and changed names (eventually becoming Florida Stage). — Bill Hirschman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026 And how much, or how little, does Belinda know about what happened to her would-be benefactress? — Dan Heching, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025 Breaking down the differences between playing the ruthless crime lord and the polished benefactress, Gasćon also noted that the role of Emilia was deceptively physical. — Elaina Patton, NBC News, 1 Nov. 2024 Instead, each week will see the top two queens will earn benefactress badges. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 May 2024 Ross resigned, at Stanford’s behest and amid great scandal, forcing Jordan to take the blame for the decision and defend his benefactress in order to save the university’s reputation. — Maia Silber, The New Yorker, 30 May 2022 She’s reunited with the local company’s benefactress, and her own first mentor and supporter, Winnie Flato. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 18 June 2021 Christian Temperance Union leader Frances Willard and millionaire benefactress Alva Belmont. — Lila Thulin, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benefactress

Noun

Dolly Parton, one of the greatest benefactors to children in world history while also being a role model to those who were without them, had died at 80.

— Choire Sicha, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
There have been years of public outcry, curatorial departures, and lost benefactors; Angelenos had grown proud of the original LACMA campus over time.

— George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of benefactor

Noun

Patroness of the United States How did Mary, as the Immaculate Conception, become patroness of the United States?

— Bridget Retzloff, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
His was the first true haute couture maison, his patroness was Empress Eugénie, who made him into her court designer.

— Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Definition of patroness

Noun

Western philanthropists, on the other hand, are surrounded by mature civil-society groups, and so are more content to just deliver funding through grants.

— Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026
Last week, Krogan's Quantitative Biosciences Institute received a $46 million grant from the Aligning Research to Impact Autism initiative, funded by philanthropist and Google co-founder Sergey Brin.

— Pien Huang, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of philanthropist

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“Benefactress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benefactress. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of benefactress

noun

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