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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Recent Examples of philanthropist
The estate was built in 1930 by philanthropist Alden Freeman as a tribute to the Alcázar de Colón in Santo Domingo—once home to Christopher Columbus’s son, Diego—but by the ’90s, Casa Casuarina had been stripped of its former glory.
—
Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026
Other Democrats running include Porter, billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former state Controller Betty Yee and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
—Grace Hase, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Morgan’s Wonderland founder Gordon Hartman, a philanthropist and former homebuilder, was pleased with the news, but didn’t provide details of the project.
—Brandon Lingle, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Mar. 2026
Willie Wilson is a business owner, philanthropist and former mayoral candidate.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for philanthropist
Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026
Other Democrats running include Porter, billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former state Controller Betty Yee and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
—Grace Hase, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Morgan’s Wonderland founder Gordon Hartman, a philanthropist and former homebuilder, was pleased with the news, but didn’t provide details of the project.
—Brandon Lingle, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Mar. 2026
Willie Wilson is a business owner, philanthropist and former mayoral candidate.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for philanthropist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for philanthropist
Noun
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And our players are the biggest benefactor of all.—
Joseph Hoyt,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Mar. 2026
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The gifts have come from individual donors and corporate benefactors such as JBL, which has provided speakers and equipment, as well as guitar makers Fender and Gibson, among others.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Beyond the financial impact, there's also damage to donor confidence.—
Kelly Werthmann,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
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Without them, some important objects can remain hidden forever; a waste of human effort and money — and much of that sponsorship cash comes from taxpayer funds and the generous gifts of donors who trust the museum to share its collection with its community.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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While Paytas’ Big Broadway Dream quickly sold out the St. James Theatre, donations of $5 to $25 to the Fund enters donators will be entered for a chance to win a front row pair of tickets.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
23 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Philanthropist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philanthropist. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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