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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 Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501(c)(3) public charity. Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2025 At a time when Christians are called upon to embrace Jesus’ message of love and charity, our president continues to revel in a cruelty that’s, well, biblical. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025 Actor Andrew Shue at a charity soccer match with former NBA star Steve Nash in the background. Jay King, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Velvet’s widow Nancy Lee Abbey was both the guest of honor and an active participant, raising money for a musician’s charity at the merchandise table and communing with the hundreds of Velvet fans in attendance. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for charity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charity
Noun
  • The benefit honored Wallis Annenberg and named Dominic Ng, chairman and CEO of East West Bank, the inaugural recipient of the Wallis Icon Award for his work in corporate philanthropy.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
  • If philanthropy is a part of your legacy, this is a win-win strategy.
    David Rae, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The county had previously committed more than $760,000 to the project so the new allotment increased its total contribution to about $6 million.
    Richard Halstead, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Explore Kylie Minogue See latest videos, charts and news The honor, awarded annually by APRA AMCOS, recognizes outstanding contributions to the Australian music industry.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The current drift toward authoritarian leaders in this fractured world will leave international relations at the mercy of their whims, dreams, and follies.
    Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025
  • In an age where mercy often feels in short supply, Francis insisted there was no bottom to God's well of forgiveness.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the time of publication, the video of her efforts has been watched over 228,000 times, with users flocking to offer words of kindness in the comments section.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Becky’s independence, kindness, determination and beauty will live on through her forever.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • To be honest, this movie is a bit too treacly for my taste, but the four main actresses’ enduring friendship warms my millennial heart.
    Lizzie Logan, Vulture, 2 May 2025
  • Make your friendships more romantic and your romances more friendly, Aries.
    Colin Bedell, Them., 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Rather than having the federal government foot the whole bill, in the U.S. public media also relies on $1.3 billion in annual charitable donations from viewers, listeners, corporations and foundations.
    Josh Shepperd, The Conversation, 2 May 2025
  • Greene is trying to make up the difference through donations.
    James Pollard, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Dutton's hardline rhetoric, including sympathy for Trump's style of politics and calls for closer ties with like-minded nationalist leaders, has unnerved moderate voters.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, issued a statement expressing sympathy with the victims and their families.
    ASSOCIATED PRESS, Time, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Thank you all so much for your prayers, support, and generosity.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025
  • That same year, István Hegedűs, a former politician who had served in parliament alongside Orbán, read an article in a pro-Fidesz newspaper which implied that only the Party’s generosity enabled C.E.U. to stay in Budapest.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Charity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charity. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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