philanthropist

noun

Definition of philanthropistnext
as in benefactor
a wealthy person who gives money and time to help make life better for other people a philanthropist known to generously donate to those organizations that help the poor

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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 philanthropist During a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, McEntire shared what the late singer-songwriter, actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist taught her about work, confidence and success. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2026 Relatives, employers, philanthropists, government organizations and charitable groups can make deposits, including company stock, into the accounts. — Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026 The opportunity for this generation of philanthropists is not simply to give more. — David Miliband, Time, 19 Oct. 2026 The second son of Azeez and Saleemah Shaheen, Shouky Saheen become a successful Atlanta businessman and philanthropist. — Rebecca McCarthy, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for philanthropist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for philanthropist
  1. benefactor
  2. donor
  3. donator
Noun
  • The Kennedy Center has long been home to hundreds of unique works of art and antiquities, including sculptures and tapestries, donated or loaned by individual benefactors and other countries, CNN notes.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Miami was the benefactor of a second consecutive crazy week of college football.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of benefactor
Noun
  • Less common modes include vertical transmission (from mother to child) and transfusion transmission, when contaminated donor blood gives rise to an infection in the transfusion recipient.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
  • An array of donors have put more than $1 million into outside groups backing Ugarte, a former Price aide.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of donor
Noun
  • Contributors can transfer stock to the Treasury, which will then invest the funds into accounts in line with the donator’s guidelines.
    — Callum Sutherland, Time, 6 July 2026
  • That’s the gold standard of cancer designations that allows patients and donators alike to understand Sylvester’s standards.
    — Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of donator

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Cite this Entry

“Philanthropist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philanthropist. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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