1
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

Relevance
2
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

3
4
5

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 Dickinson also established the Hackney division of charity Under One Sky for unhoused people. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 15 May 2025 The single, out today, benefits Nelson’s longtime go-to charity Farm Aid. August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025 The French stylist and fashion entrepreneur, who has already masterminded 15 fashion shows for the annual charity event, said the theme for the 31st edition came to her immediately after last year’s gala, given that there have already been 25 Bond films — and a new one is expected in 2027. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 13 May 2025 Supporting the local area with various charity projects. James Pearce, New York Times, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for charity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charity
Noun
  • Nearly 25% of youths under the age of 18 live in poverty, with rates exceeding 90% in some neighborhoods, according to a report released this year by the venture philanthropy A Better Chicago.
    Tio Hardiman, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • Bombas is a strong example of a brand that has integrated philanthropy into its business model in a way that feels natural.
    Anthony Conversa, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • These accounts may include a government contribution of up to $1,000 for babies born between 2025 and 2028, as outlined in Investopedia, and allow families to contribute up to $5,000 annually.
    Brian Menickella, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Considering how Walker slogged through last season and how he’s bounced between the rotation and bullpen, the outing underscored his contributions over the first two months.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • This, in effect, frames even the movie’s unrelated, apolitical happenings as being at the mercy of this dangerous future, backed by Western powers.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 24 May 2025
  • Allowing the Chinese government to circumvent free trade guardrails will ultimately put the U.S. at the mercy of an international supply chain.
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Researchers explored how prosocial behavior, acts of genuine kindness and concern for others influences perceptions of physical attractiveness.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • But Mike throws the man’s kindness back in his face by knocking him out and lifting his watch and wallet.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Multiple sources also tell PEOPLE that Lively's friendship with another longtime pal, Gigi Hadid, has cooled in recent months.
    Benjamin VanHoose, People.com, 15 May 2025
  • However, Levi wants to stay and even forms a friendship with Vito, the most eccentric kid of all, who happens to be Marenka's son.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • According to county records, Tucker made a $2,000 donation to Rackauckas’ campaign in August 2018, after he’d been assigned to investigate the leak.
    Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
  • In 2019, the pair surprised an elementary school in Washington D.C. with charitable donations and $100,000.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Back home, Ramaphosa briefly enjoyed a wave of sympathy for remaining composed during what was the latest ambush of a foreign leader at the Oval Office.
    Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 2025
  • Grant’s toughness is rooted in playing baseball alongside two older brothers who spared no sympathy.
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • And both Harrison and Pierce share a sort of commitment to their craft — professionalism, generosity on set.
    Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025
  • Neuroscience shows that generosity activates reward centers in the brain.
    Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Charity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charity. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on charity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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