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Synonyms

good works

Idioms  

  1. Acts of charity, kindness, or good will, as in She spent much of her life in doing good works, especially for the homeless. This expression, also put as good work, originally had the theological meaning of an act of piety. Today it is used in a more general context. [c. a.d. 1000]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We believe the Holy Father will shine a spotlight on the good works of the Church, including our work helping communities live together in peace, improve healthcare, and increase education, justice and peace.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Because even those who believe in no religion at all have a stake in others’ freedom to pursue their vocations and do good works.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

"A history of good works can't wash away your record," he said.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

She still did good works, running L.A.’s largest soup kitchen during the Depression.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2025

Thereafter, twice a week, Mrs. O’Reilly did her good works, and twice a week, Shirley wrestled with Sean, Seamus and Stephen.

From "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" by Bette Bao Lord

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.