as in donors
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 philanthropists
In a bid to bridge a gap in government funding, Gates is calling on fellow wealthy philanthropists.
—
Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
This stands as one of the largest single-year donations in history, placing Scott alongside philanthropists such as Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 8 Jan. 2026
Rich philanthropists may donate to groups calling for lower taxes.
—Ray Madoff, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
Named for philanthropists Jane and Lloyd Pettit, the center opened in December of that same year, and on the first anniversary of its opening in 1993, the US Olympic trials were held there in preparation for the 1994 Winter Games.
—Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Ever since leaving royal life and relocating to California in 2020, Harry and Meghan have tried to fashion themselves as global thought-leaders, innovators, media moguls and philanthropists, initially buoyed by their multimillion-dollar deals with Netflix and Spotify.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
Business philanthropists, including Michael and Susan Dell and Ray and Barbara Dalio, have agreed to provide $250 per child to those who qualify under the terms of their respective donations.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025
That support includes access to the Earthshot Prize’s ambitious global network of businesses, philanthropists, investors and environmental organizations committed to climate action.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
The nonprofit is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a gala on November 4, hosted by longtime music artists and Nashville philanthropists Amy Grant and Vince Gill, at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
—Laura L. Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 2025
Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
This stands as one of the largest single-year donations in history, placing Scott alongside philanthropists such as Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 8 Jan. 2026
Rich philanthropists may donate to groups calling for lower taxes.
—Ray Madoff, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
Named for philanthropists Jane and Lloyd Pettit, the center opened in December of that same year, and on the first anniversary of its opening in 1993, the US Olympic trials were held there in preparation for the 1994 Winter Games.
—Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Ever since leaving royal life and relocating to California in 2020, Harry and Meghan have tried to fashion themselves as global thought-leaders, innovators, media moguls and philanthropists, initially buoyed by their multimillion-dollar deals with Netflix and Spotify.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
Business philanthropists, including Michael and Susan Dell and Ray and Barbara Dalio, have agreed to provide $250 per child to those who qualify under the terms of their respective donations.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025
That support includes access to the Earthshot Prize’s ambitious global network of businesses, philanthropists, investors and environmental organizations committed to climate action.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
The nonprofit is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a gala on November 4, hosted by longtime music artists and Nashville philanthropists Amy Grant and Vince Gill, at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
—Laura L. Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for philanthropists
Noun
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Nearly 35,000 donors had contributed, with one giving $50,000.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
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Just weeks after the fun ended, Mosley must convince boosters, donors and fans that 2025 doesn’t have to be a one-off.—
Mac Engel
January 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The decisions and forces that affect society, that dictate the livelihoods and well-being of its citizens, are at the mercy of the market, and the now frighteningly transparent ways that the market serves and benefits its dutiful governmental benefactors.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
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Despite the clear intent of the voters, California courts have sided with the government and its special interest benefactors by creating loopholes that significantly weakened these protections.—
Jon Coupal,
Oc Register,
21 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Philanthropists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philanthropists. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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