munificent

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

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Cite this Entry

“Munificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/munificent. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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