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

Related Words

Relevance

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 philanthropist Per The Wall Street Journal, it was acquired in 2001 for around $16 million by automotive entrepreneur and philanthropist David Wilson and his wife, Holly, who executed a stunning, multimillion-dollar modern transformation. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 July 2026 The philanthropist also highlighted the causes supported by the gala. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 29 July 2026 In 2025, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen, the married actors and philanthropists, became the first couple to receive the honor. — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026 Families typically become philanthropists gradually, often giving reactively without a clear strategy, much like new parents learning on the job. — Kris Putnam-Walkerly, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for philanthropist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for philanthropist
  1. benefactor
  2. donor
  3. donator
Noun
  • After Gretchen Whitmer, the state’s popular Democratic governor, endorsed Stevens last week, El-Sayed explained the choice as the inevitable product of the two women’s benefactors.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
  • Working with patrons Anadol counters that anyone can have free access to the models his studio develops, and that there's nothing new about contemporary artists' relationships with rich and powerful benefactors.
    — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 29 July 2026
Definition of benefactor
Noun
  • These very same donors, Eustis said, are the ones who feel most excited to be sitting among the citizenry in Central Park, watching the beauty of public art unfold in a joyous communal atmosphere.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • Such strategies are fueling debate over whether Africa’s off-grid solar sector has reached a financial turning point, attracting mainstream investors beyond its traditional base of donor agencies and development finance institutions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

philanthropies
philanthropist
philanthropists
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Philanthropist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philanthropist. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on philanthropist

Nglish: Translation of philanthropist for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of élan

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All