PHILANTHROPY Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

philanthropy

noun

fə-ˈlan(t)-thrə-pē

Definition of philanthropy

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

Relevance

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

as in generosity

the quality or state of being generous a society dowager renowned for her philanthropy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 philanthropy Apart from her work as an entertainer, Parton was also known for her philanthropy. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 With Parton's death this week at age 80, much is rightly being said about her extraordinary music, philanthropy, business success and ability to connect with generations of people. — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The policy changes with lower tax incentives may alter the future of philanthropy itself. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 Ashley went on to praise Parton’s music that moved fans around the globe and her far-reaching philanthropy. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for philanthropy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for philanthropy

Noun

In the document containing questions to ask Entergy witnesses, the commissioners were pressed by the commissioners' staff to ask utility officials about the payments not being treated as a contribution in aid of construction.

— Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026
However, a November 2025 McKinsey global survey found that only 39% of respondents had seen AI affect company-wide operating profit, and most of that group said the contribution remained below 5%.

— Erum Manzoor, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of contribution

Noun

The fallout cost Ferguson charity affiliations, contributed to the closure of Sarah's Trust and damaged several of her business ventures.

— Lauryn Overhultz , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Funds from the endowment were distributed to Arkansas charities and nonprofit organizations.

— Dylan Sherman, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of charity

Noun

Charities should seize on that and message around the benefit that leaning into generosity has for people’s wallets and their communities—one that opens the door to a teaching moment.

— Dale Bannon, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Their generosity, humanity and belief in the importance of fashion as art, culture and history – as well as their understanding of human fragility and the possibility of growth – will remain with me always.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of generosity

Noun

According to the organization, the donation is the largest private donation that Rozana USA has ever received.

— Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
In lieu of flowers, Parton’s family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

— Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of donation

Noun

The committee also highlighted the film’s humanism and delicate direction, its dense, multidimensional character relationships, and its meditation on love, desire and original sin.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
In a public statement, its 15-member selection committee praised the film’s overall achievement, mise-en-scène, Lee’s characteristically deep humanism and the density of its portrait of class, love and desire.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of humanism

Noun

National Dog Day isn’t just about celebrating dogs, it’s also focused on promoting canine adoption and welfare to ensure that all dogs live happy, safe, and abuse-free.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
The state closes 15 percent of welfare cases annually for procedural reasons.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of welfare

Browse Nearby Words

philanthropists

philanthropy

philharmonic

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Cite this Entry

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“Philanthropy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philanthropy. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of philanthropy

noun

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