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as in philanthropy
the giving of necessities and especially money to the needy after amassing a fortune in the computer industry, the brothers devoted themselves to charity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in contribution
a gift of money or its equivalent to a charity, humanitarian cause, or public institution donated his mansion and all of its land as a charity to the people of his beloved home state

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun charity differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of charity are clemency, grace, leniency, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

When is clemency a more appropriate choice than charity?

The meanings of clemency and charity largely overlap; however, clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

When is it sensible to use grace instead of charity?

While in some cases nearly identical to charity, grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When can leniency be used instead of charity?

Although the words leniency and charity have much in common, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When might mercy be a better fit than charity?

The synonyms mercy and charity are sometimes interchangeable, but mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

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 charity Season two expanded the cast and challenges, while season three scaled up with reality-style confessionals, charity tie-ins, and over 23 million views. Jamie Gutfreund, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 How much of Nate Bargatze’s hosting fee is going to charity? Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025 The pin benefits trans charities. Mikelle Street, Them., 15 Sep. 2025 She and her two sisters were placed by their father as charity pupils in the convent at Aubazine. Leslie Camhi, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for charity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charity
Noun
  • Chiu’s philanthropy is getting new artists into the Crocker and helping the museum continue to diversify its ranks – efforts that predate Floyd’s death, according to Scott Shields, the Ted and Melza Barr Chief Curator and Associate Director for the Crocker.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Guidance on philanthropy or running a family foundation may also be important to you.
    Andy Busser, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Both countries discussed accelerating working-level consultations to ensure work visas are issued appropriately in recognition of Korean workers’ contributions.
    Nino Paoli, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The core of this potent lineup has been intact for over a decade, with the strength of each band member’s musical contributions on full display over the course of nearly two hours on stage in Chicago.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • On paper, this one would go to Washington by a mercy-rule final score.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
  • May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Having a solid structure in place can allow kindness to thrive without compromising the performance of your team or operations.
    Roxana Diaconu, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Your loving kindness stays with me.
    Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Andrew quit public life in 2019 over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein but makes occasional appearances at private family events, usually at church.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • King Charles’ brother, Prince Andrew, has been tainted by his own friendship with Epstein.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The United States and Europe have overseen the donation of munitions, supplies, and money to the war effort.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Old lotions and bath products do not belong in the donation bin because thrift stores can't resell them for health and hygiene reasons.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Last season, Kelly doing something like this probably earned little sympathy from LSU fans because the Tigers underperformed.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Characters like Sophie, who decide against parenthood, are portrayed with sympathy and respect; but so too are the relationships between parents and children, which the game presents as meaningful.
    G Kirilloff, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Through these tactics, Iftiu is trying to pay forward the generosity he's received within the system.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Alongside framing a poetics of wonder and wander, the writings across this trinity of works give us glimpses into how the world taught Oliver to love, a generosity revealed in what has sometimes been seen as lack.
    Natalie Diaz September 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Charity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charity. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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