BENEFACTRESS Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

benefactress

noun

Definition of benefactress

as in benefactor

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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 benefactress The company gained a benefactress (Lois Pope), later parted ways and changed names (eventually becoming Florida Stage). — Bill Hirschman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026 And how much, or how little, does Belinda know about what happened to her would-be benefactress? — Dan Heching, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025 Breaking down the differences between playing the ruthless crime lord and the polished benefactress, Gasćon also noted that the role of Emilia was deceptively physical. — Elaina Patton, NBC News, 1 Nov. 2024 Instead, each week will see the top two queens will earn benefactress badges. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 May 2024 Ross resigned, at Stanford’s behest and amid great scandal, forcing Jordan to take the blame for the decision and defend his benefactress in order to save the university’s reputation. — Maia Silber, The New Yorker, 30 May 2022 She’s reunited with the local company’s benefactress, and her own first mentor and supporter, Winnie Flato. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 18 June 2021 Christian Temperance Union leader Frances Willard and millionaire benefactress Alva Belmont. — Lila Thulin, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benefactress

Noun

Harvard and its peer institutions won’t suddenly stop caring about their largest benefactors.

— Jayson Weingarten, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Now, RadarOnline has confirmed that some of the celebration was paid by a Russian benefactor, oligarch Umar Kremlev, a close ally of Vladimir Putin.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of benefactor

Noun

Patroness of the United States How did Mary, as the Immaculate Conception, become patroness of the United States?

— Bridget Retzloff, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
His was the first true haute couture maison, his patroness was Empress Eugénie, who made him into her court designer.

— Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Definition of patroness

Noun

At the suggestion of local philanthropists Mark and Robin Seigle, members were planning to donate any funding left beyond the above to create an arts scholarship at ECC in memory of Jones and Hamilton Wings.

— Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
For his part, Nagendran is a philanthropist, physician, and biotechnology executive in Arizona who heads research and development at Taysha Gene Therapies.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of philanthropist

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“Benefactress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benefactress. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of benefactress

noun

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