philanthropist

Definition of philanthropistnext
as in benefactor
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

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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 philanthropist Nagendran is a philanthropist, physician, and biotechnology executive based in Arizona. — News Desk, Artforum, 6 Oct. 2026 This gift is a big swing from one of the country’s most influential business leaders and philanthropists. — Susan Svrluga, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 Carnegie Mellon University is coming to Miami with the launch of a new campus in Wynwood, backed by billions in support from hedge fund executive and philanthropist Ken Griffin, the deal’s principals told the Miami Herald in an exclusive interview. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026 In the past four years, Griffin has become a prolific philanthropist in South Florida. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for philanthropist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for philanthropist
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
Noun
  • What donors and kids get Another potential upside for donors is a whole new class of shareholders, Gentry said.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Simmons had about 1,850 contributions, though those don’t all equate to one donor.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Contributors can transfer stock to the Treasury, which will then invest the funds into accounts in line with the donator’s guidelines.
    — Callum Sutherland, Time, 6 July 2026
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster