Synonyms

philanthropist

American

[fi-lan-thruh-pist] / fɪˈlæn θrə pɪst /

noun

a person, typically a wealthy one, who has an altruistic concern for human welfare and shows it by donating money, property, time, or work to aid people in need or to support institutions that serve the public.

In his private life he was a major philanthropist who spent over $2 billion on causes ranging from education to healthcare.

Other Word Forms

philanthropistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of philanthropist

First recorded in 1720–30; philanthrop(y) + -ist

Explanation

A philanthropist is a person who gives money or gifts to charities, or helps needy people in other ways. Famous examples include Andrew Carnegie and Bill & Melinda Gates. In English, the -ist suffix describes a person who does a particular action. A philanthropist practices philanthropy. Philanthropists are wealthy people with a generous nature and a concern for human welfare. Philanthropy is from Late Latin philanthrōpia, from Greek, from philanthrōpos "humane, kind," from the prefix phil- plus anthrōpos "man, mankind."

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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.

Rep. Katie Porter and philanthropist Tom Steyer — have all agreed to participate in the event.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Rokos is a 55-year-old British investor and philanthropist who lives in the UK and founded global multi-asset investment fund Rokos Capital Management.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

As portfolios go, the one put forward by John Arnold, the billionaire energy trader turned philanthropist, doesn’t get simpler.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

While Hubbard keeps his client list confidential, some high-profile buyers, such as misogynist influencer Andrew Tate and YouTuber and philanthropist MrBeast, have publicly acknowledged purchasing his bunkers.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Imagine that you and twenty casual acquaintances are in a room together, having been brought there by an eccentric philanthropist.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

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