charitable

adjective

ˈcher-ə-tə-bəl How to pronounce charitable (audio)
Definition of charitablenext
1
as in philanthropic
having or showing a concern for the welfare of others a charitable couple who have donated a sizable chunk of their fortune to the local university

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in generous
giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation a charitable woman who helped everyone who needed it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in easy
tolerant and kind in the judgment of and expectations for others her best friend, who was inclined towards a more charitable interpretation of her actions, let it pass

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 charitable This may help explain why companies often struggle to convey their charitable efforts in ways that win people over. — Yanyi Leng, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2026 The patron saint of charitable societies, he is primarily recognized for his charity and compassion for the poor, though he is also known for his reform of the clergy and for his early role in opposing Jansenism. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 Tax law changes have prompted businesses to reconsider their charitable strategies. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 In a lawsuit, her attorney also claims NJSN never told the family the donation was not charitable. — Christine Sloan, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for charitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charitable
  1. philanthropic
  2. generous
  3. easy
  4. humanitarian
  5. benevolent
  6. soft
  7. indulgent
Adjective
  • His legal team has said that Chambers has strictly donated to lawful Gaza and Palestine humanitarian and philanthropic aid projects, and O’Shea believes them.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Some billionaires have also pledged philanthropic contributions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Definition of philanthropic
Adjective
  • One tier down from Dithaba (both fiscally and geographically), Kapano is a few minutes’ walk down a dusty hill and follows a similar format, with four generous-sized rooms veering off the communal pool, bar, and alfresco deck dining area.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Venus connects with Jupiter, supporting a generous exchange with someone who sees possibilities from a different angle.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of generous
Adjective
  • Change that one part, then see whether the rest becomes easier.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 4 Nov. 2026
  • There are even conveyor belts to ferry folks up steep inclines – which also makes some of China's most beautiful views easier to reach for those less physically able.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of easy
Adjective
  • Zelenskyy had said on X that the strikes first targeted the former school that was used for regular distributions of humanitarian aid and then took aim at a nearby shelter.
    — Derek Gatopoulos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Instead, local authorities are using it as an administrative center and humanitarian hub.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • This isn’t about shaming the Hawks for not being benevolent enough.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Larger-than-life Halloween celebrations rise up every October like the Great Pumpkin (or a benevolent spooky spirit or two) to captivate visitors with parades, caramel apples, costume contests, and more.
    — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of benevolent
Adjective
  • The soft, lightweight layer features ribbed detailing that instantly dresses up classic jeans or trousers.
    — Kaitlin Gates, InStyle, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Its official soft opening took place in December 2021, with a full opening planned for later in 2022 when its restaurant opens.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of soft
Adjective
  • How relaxing and indulgent, wrapped in a plush bathrobe, lingering over lobster bisque, juicy steak and a bottle of red wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Everything here feels a little American — large and indulgent.
    — Jura Koncius, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of indulgent

Browse Nearby Words

charismatic
charitable
charitableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Charitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charitable. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of wabi-sabi

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
woman sitting on floor holding book in front of her face on pink background
Famous Novels, Last Lines Quiz Needless to say, spoiler alert.
See All