HUMANITARIAN Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

humanitarian 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of humanitarian

as in philanthropic

having or showing a concern for the welfare of others humanitarian efforts to aid the earthquake victims

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

humanitarian

2 of 2

noun

as in philanthropist

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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 humanitarian

Adjective

Norway will give $9 billion in 2027, to match its 2026 commitment for both military and humanitarian spending. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Advocates for the billionaire tax proposal are motivated to solve a humanitarian problem. — Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Noun

His knowledge and experience on the team was a critical role for the planet's survival and the health of its inhabitants, a true humanitarian. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026 Those actions have generated fierce legal challenges and criticism from humanitarians. — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for humanitarian

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humanitarian

Adjective

Some billionaires have also pledged philanthropic contributions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
That would have been even a few more million bucks on top of what already looks more like a philanthropic civic act more than a savvy investment on Tullman’s impassioned part, but an enthusiastic punter can dream.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Definition of philanthropic

Adjective

Few people are as involved in as many different charitable endeavors as Andrea Massey-Farrell.

— Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
The funding marks the first substantial philanthropic pledge toward the mayor’s plan, which city leaders hope to pay for by using a combination of tax dollars and charitable contributions.

— Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of charitable

Adjective

The new movie follows a benevolent ex-pilot named Hig (Jacob Elordi) who, after losing his wife during a catastrophic global pandemic, lives out in the wilderness with his dog, Jasper, and ornery isolationist pal Bangley (Josh Brolin).

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
City leaders agree large, unsupervised gatherings could put kids at risk even if most attendees are there for benevolent reasons.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of benevolent

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“Humanitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humanitarian. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of humanitarian

adjective

noun

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