humanitarian 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of humanitariannext
as in philanthropic
having or showing a concern for the welfare of others humanitarian efforts to aid the earthquake victims

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

humanitarian

2 of 2

noun

as in philanthropist

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Dissimilar Words

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 humanitarian
Adjective
International humanitarian law generally protects civilian infrastructure, such as bridges and power plants, from attack, but such sites can lose these protections if used for military purposes. — Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026 Aid agencies warn the Iran war and Nigeria’s inflation could push millions more African children into poverty this year, stunting development and deepening a humanitarian crisis with far-reaching global consequences. — Ope Adetayo, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
Noun
His knowledge and experience on the team was a critical role for the planet's survival and the health of its inhabitants, a true humanitarian. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026 Those actions have generated fierce legal challenges and criticism from humanitarians. — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for humanitarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humanitarian
  1. philanthropic
  2. philanthropist
  3. charitable
  4. benevolent
Adjective
  • Some billionaires have also pledged philanthropic contributions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • That would have been even a few more million bucks on top of what already looks more like a philanthropic civic act more than a savvy investment on Tullman’s impassioned part, but an enthusiastic punter can dream.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of philanthropic
Noun
  • Smart money philanthropists, including Michael Dell and Ray Dalio, have set up foundation money to contribute to Trump accounts on behalf of children of low-income families.
    — Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • Hope because listeners, viewers and philanthropists stepped up.
    — David Folkenflik, NPR, 26 July 2026
Definition of philanthropist
Adjective
  • The church leaders called on lawmakers to retain existing tax exemptions for charitable organizations such as maternity homes, domestic violence shelters and food banks if Amendment 5 passes.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • The platform will convert audience watch-time on the title directly into charitable giving, extending the film’s impact well beyond its theatrical run.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 July 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • In Chinese mythology, for example, dragons are revered as powerful, benevolent beings associated with rain, rivers, and fertility.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
  • His single mom, Laura, got by with assistance from the local church and benevolent relatives, including one who bought Warner football cleats.
    — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of benevolent

Browse Nearby Words

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humanitarian
humanitarianism
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Cite this Entry

“Humanitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humanitarian. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on humanitarian

Nglish: Translation of humanitarian for Spanish Speakers

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