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
The philanthropists will drill holes with their pro device and lend equipment to deserving anglers.
—
Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 18 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
The once-esoteric field is now attracting tech bros, venture capitalists and philanthropists like Bill Gates.
—Frances Stead Sellers, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Milwaukee-area philanthropists Barri and Dave Drury have made a $10 million gift to Children's Wisconsin to support pediatric research, one of the largest donations for research the health system has received.
—Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 4 Feb. 2026
In 2020, Ferguson also launched Sarah's Trust, an organization that works to connect philanthropists with charities in need.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
The veterinary school at University of California, Davis, will be renamed for Sanford and Joan Weill after the billionaire philanthropists gave it $120 million — the largest gift ever made to veterinary medicine and one of the largest to the university, the school said.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026
For local philanthropists, those commitments can range from modest one-time donations to larger, long-term investments in the community.
—Vanessa Carlson Bender, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 29 Jan. 2026
So philanthropists can actually choose.
—CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 18 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
The once-esoteric field is now attracting tech bros, venture capitalists and philanthropists like Bill Gates.
—Frances Stead Sellers, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Milwaukee-area philanthropists Barri and Dave Drury have made a $10 million gift to Children's Wisconsin to support pediatric research, one of the largest donations for research the health system has received.
—Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 4 Feb. 2026
In 2020, Ferguson also launched Sarah's Trust, an organization that works to connect philanthropists with charities in need.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
The veterinary school at University of California, Davis, will be renamed for Sanford and Joan Weill after the billionaire philanthropists gave it $120 million — the largest gift ever made to veterinary medicine and one of the largest to the university, the school said.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026
For local philanthropists, those commitments can range from modest one-time donations to larger, long-term investments in the community.
—Vanessa Carlson Bender, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 29 Jan. 2026
So philanthropists can actually choose.
—CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for philanthropists
Noun
-
While crossbenchers are appointed by an independent committee, most life peerages are handed out by the prime minister, often to reward aides, allies and donors.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Donations are tax-deductible, and donors can choose to be publicly recognized or remain anonymous.—
Stephanie Ogilvie,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
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
-
The Blue Nile signed the deal, moved by the genuine enthusiasm expressed by their benefactors.—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Philanthropists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philanthropists. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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