Synonyms of philanthropy

philanthropy

noun

fə-ˈlan(t)-thrə-pē 

1

as in contribution

a gift of money or its equivalent to a charity, humanitarian cause, or public institution

among the industrialist's philanthropies was a college scholarship fund for deserving students from the inner city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contribution
• donation
• charity
• alms
• benefaction
• offering
• beneficence
• assistance
• legacy
• endowment
• grant
• welfare
• bequest
• aid
• subsidy
• relief
• presentation
• benevolence
• tithe
• present
• dole
• largesse
• handout
• bestowal

2

as in charity

the giving of necessities and especially money to the needy

much dedicated to philanthropy, the industrialist maintains a surprisingly modest lifestyle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• charity
• humanism
• welfare
• humanitarianism
• almsgiving
• donation
• contribution
• altruism
• dole
• benevolence
• grant
• fund
• goodwill
• endowment
• do-goodism
• benefaction
• beneficence
• do-gooding
• alms
• subsidy
• relief

3

as in generosity

the quality or state of being generous

a society dowager renowned for her philanthropy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• generosity
• liberality
• kindness
• munificence
• unselfishness
• gift
• largesse
• bounty
• bountifulness
• generousness
• selflessness
• openheartedness
• charity
• openhandedness
• beneficence
• bigheartedness
• tribute
• kindliness
• extravagance
• lavishness
• wastefulness
• gratuity
• spendthrift
• prodigality
• improvidence
• lagniappe
• squandering
• dissipating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• economy
• selfishness
• conservation
• frugality
• thrift
• parsimony
• miserliness
• cheapness
• meanness
• stinginess
• closeness
• husbandry
• tightness
• saving
• providence
• pinching
• economizing
• conserving
• penuriousness
• managing
• ungenerosity
• skimping
• scrimping
• husbanding
• scraping
• cutting back

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of philanthropy

The event, known for its blend of philanthropy, politics and humor, also featured comedian Jim Gaffigan, who poked fun at the influential crowd gathered in the ballroom. — Dick Brennan, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

The Miami event brought together forces from fashion, philanthropy and the local community in support of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Selena Gomez‘s fourth annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit was a night of music, philanthropy and powerful reminders of why mental health advocacy matters. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026

What experience taught me is that philanthropy carries a responsibility that goes well beyond winning a grant. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Oct. 2026