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
Many other pledges have poured in from philanthropists and corporate America, potentially expanding the program’s reach.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 May 2026
There was his divorce from Mackenzie Scott, and the fact that Scott has now become one of the world’s biggest philanthropists.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 May 2026
Who would be the philanthropists?
—Lawrence K. Altman, STAT, 7 May 2026
His wealth enabled him to become one of the largest private landowners and wealthiest philanthropists in the United States.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Rather than taking large donations from wealthy philanthropists or corporations, the approach would be to raise small amounts of money from large numbers of participants.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
The artist shared a close friendship with the late philanthropists Fred and Lena Meijer, whose vision helped shape the institution into one of the Midwest’s leading sculpture parks and botanical gardens.
—Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Other strategies outlined include seeking donations from philanthropists, forging more corporate partnerships and targeting upstart internet providers who may be more willing to get creative.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
This year’s honorees included Isaac Gonzales (Homeboy Hero), JacQueena Matthews Haynes (Homegirl Hero), Lauren Tom (Community Honoree) and philanthropists Melanie and Richard Lundquist (Kinship Honorees).
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 May 2026
There was his divorce from Mackenzie Scott, and the fact that Scott has now become one of the world’s biggest philanthropists.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 May 2026
Who would be the philanthropists?
—Lawrence K. Altman, STAT, 7 May 2026
His wealth enabled him to become one of the largest private landowners and wealthiest philanthropists in the United States.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Rather than taking large donations from wealthy philanthropists or corporations, the approach would be to raise small amounts of money from large numbers of participants.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
The artist shared a close friendship with the late philanthropists Fred and Lena Meijer, whose vision helped shape the institution into one of the Midwest’s leading sculpture parks and botanical gardens.
—Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Other strategies outlined include seeking donations from philanthropists, forging more corporate partnerships and targeting upstart internet providers who may be more willing to get creative.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
This year’s honorees included Isaac Gonzales (Homeboy Hero), JacQueena Matthews Haynes (Homegirl Hero), Lauren Tom (Community Honoree) and philanthropists Melanie and Richard Lundquist (Kinship Honorees).
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for philanthropists
Noun
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Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, said a consistent theme in several Democratic primaries this year has been pushing candidates to be more aligned with working-class voters over corporate donors.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
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Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501(c)(3) public charity.—
William J. Ford,
Baltimore Sun,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Hire better investors, stewards, and benefactors of the people’s trust.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
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While fashion brands or tech behemoths like Instagram typically underwrite the affair, this year Amazon co-founder and executive chair, Jeff Bezos, and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, are the event’s main benefactors.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
1 May 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
Cite this Entry
“Philanthropists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philanthropists. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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