philanthropist

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 Cuban-American business and philanthropist Mike Fernandez said efforts for Brothers to the Rescue prosecutions are a distraction from other pressing issues Miami voters are facing. Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026 Fran for BocA also received $15,000 from Marilyn Simon, a prominent Boca Raton philanthropist. Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026 Pledges are pouring in from philanthropists and corporate America, potentially expanding the program’s reach. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026 Founded in 2000 by Rancho Santa Fe resident and philanthropist Franci Free, TVIA has emerged as a leading youth program and has grown to six chapters throughout San Diego. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for philanthropist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for philanthropist
Noun
  • Red McCombs, one of the most prodigious benefactors in UT history who gave more than $100 million to the school’s athletic programs before his death in 2023, famously criticized the hiring of former head football coach Charlie Strong in 2014.
    Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 16 Feb. 2026
  • In Josh Safdie’s feverish ping-pong epic, Marty (Timothée Chalamet) breaks from his benefactor, pen tycoon Milton Rockwell (Kevin O’Leary), risking everything to erase an old defeat.
    Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Tickets go on sale in August, and subscribers, donors and groups will have presale access.
    Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Duvall has a supporting role in the movie as Mason Hawk, who is a stand in for the various donors that supported the Masonic Home.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The new group is actively looking for volunteers, members and donators, SAMENA Collective Membership Chairman Wali Qazizada said.
    Annika Bahnsen, Orange County Register, 19 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Philanthropist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philanthropist. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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