as in philanthropic
having or showing a concern for the welfare of others
humanitarian efforts to aid the earthquake victims
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Recent Examples of humanitarian
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
The move effectively cuts the island off from key fuel sources and, according to community members, could worsen an already fragile humanitarian situation.
—Marybel Rodriguez, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Among them was the plane’s owner, Greg Biffle, a NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee whose life as a humanitarian off the track measured up to his fearlessness on it.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humanitarian
Adjective
The movie follows Jamie (Shlesinger), a fortysomething humanitarian-aid worker who, after being blindsided by personal and professional uncertainty, returns to her home in suburban Texas for a summer of ribaldry and revelation.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
The move effectively cuts the island off from key fuel sources and, according to community members, could worsen an already fragile humanitarian situation.
—Marybel Rodriguez, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
Pine sought to bring down international arms dealer Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie), a terrible human posing as a humanitarian.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Among them was the plane’s owner, Greg Biffle, a NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee whose life as a humanitarian off the track measured up to his fearlessness on it.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humanitarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humanitarian
Adjective
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The Archewell Foundation formally launched in late 2020, establishing the philanthropic pillar of their new life outside the royal fold.—
Erin Hill,
PEOPLE,
19 Dec. 2025
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The ship’s medical team will also provide support to isolated communities during its travels, and residents participate in philanthropic initiatives centered on conservation, education, and community development.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 Dec. 2025
Noun
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He was introduced to me by journalist Peter Jennings as a philanthropist and investor.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
3 Feb. 2026
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These autocrats have watched and learned as Erdoğan has scapegoated various rival groups in his country, branding them shadowy forces unleashed by the American philanthropist George Soros.—
Kaya Genç,
The Dial,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Schemmel, a devout Christian, has done charitable work for decades, ever since that awful day in July 1989 when 112 people died in a fiery crash of United Airlines Flight 232 in Sioux City, Iowa.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
31 Jan. 2026
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Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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We are mostly meant to feel the movie, to allow our souls to be prodded and hugged tightly by this benevolent picture’s generous assessment of the most dangerous animal to ever exist on the planet.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
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Trump should ask himself whether stirring a hornet’s nest serves any purpose other than pointlessly alienating a benevolent neighbor that is beginning to pad its insurance policy by reaching out to non-hemispheric powers.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Humanitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humanitarian. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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