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 Now, O’Neal is a philanthropist, TV pitch person — and candy man. Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026 Rich philanthropists may donate to groups calling for lower taxes. Ray Madoff, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026 Art collector and philanthropist John Axelrod was struck and killed by a car on Saturday. Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026 Novelist, activist, philanthropist, and onetime newspaper scion Sallie Bingham died on August 6 at the age of 88. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for philanthropist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for philanthropist
Noun
  • Axelrod had been a major art collector and a benefactor for the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Blue looks to be the most likely benefactor of the opportunity.
    Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Find this story at Iowa Capital Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
    Clark Kauffman, Des Moines Register, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The church says the $7 million project would be mostly donor-funded, though Neighbors said the cost may have gone up since his initial estimate.
    Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 6 Jan. 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 12 Jan. 2026.

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