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Definition of munificencenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective munificent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of munificent are bountiful, generous, and liberal. While all these words mean "giving or given freely and unstintingly," munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes.

a munificent foundation grant

When can bountiful be used instead of munificent?

The meanings of bountiful and munificent largely overlap; however, bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing.

children spoiled by bountiful presents

When is it sensible to use generous instead of munificent?

Although the words generous and munificent have much in common, generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift.

a generous offer of help

In what contexts can liberal take the place of munificent?

The words liberal and munificent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given.

a teacher liberal with her praise

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 munificence
Noun
His munificence and compassion were reliably containing. David Velasco, Harpers Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023
Adjective
The munificent monetary prize of a million dollars will go a long way to help establish the show’s importance. Khushbu Shah, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2025 Swift danced her way through 149 sets in 22 countries and thanked her crew with munificent bonuses totaling $197 million. Bryan West, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025 The white middle class absconded to the suburbs in droves, seriously depleting a once munificent tax base. Evan Kindley, The New Republic, 1 Aug. 2023 Testing these munificent vehicles took us not only to DaimlerChrysler's proving grounds but also to our beloved collection of paved curves, whoop-de-dos, and foot-to-the-floor straightaways in southeastern Ohio's Hocking Hills. Don Schroeder, Car and Driver, 3 Jan. 2023 Carla had no plausible explanation as to why Gianni should have been so munificent. Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for munificence
Noun
  • Guelaguetza — also known as Los Lunes del Cerro, or Mondays on the Hill — is a centuries-old celebration rooted in community, generosity and cooperation, where the people of Oaxaca come together through music, dance, food and craftsmanship.
    Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026
  • The Gracious Visionary interweaves documentary and reenacted components to tell the story of how his mindset was shaped by learning philosophy, playing cards and the generosity of others.
    Nick Vivarelli for Variety, Robb Report, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • The investigation found foundation employees had met with Epstein approximately 30 times between 2011 and 2014, but those meetings were all focused on philanthropy, and investigators did not find any evidence Epstein was ever paid by the foundation.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Debbie Dolgin, director of strategic philanthropy in the American Friends of Magen David Adom western region, said the project was spearheaded by the Goldhirsh-Yellin Foundation’s president, Elizabeth Goldhirsh-Yellin.
    Caroline Zimmerman July 17, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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