charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈcher-ə-tə-bəl How to pronounce charitable (audio)
ˈcha-rə-
Synonyms of charitable
1
: full of love for and goodwill toward others : benevolent
2
a
: liberal in benefactions to the needy : generous
b
: of or relating to charity
charitable institutions
3
: merciful or kind in judging others : lenient
charitableness noun
charitably
ˈcher-ə-tə-blē How to pronounce charitable (audio)
ˈcha-rə-
adverb

Synonyms of charitable

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Examples of charitable in a Sentence

She makes a charitable donation every year. He performs charitable work to help the poor. They give money to charitable causes. She has tried to be charitable about her sister's problems. Half of the class has a chance at passing the test, and that is a charitable estimate.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Ever since Jeff Bezos and Mackenzie Scott divorced, most headlines about the latter have been about her charitable endeavors. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 22 Aug. 2026 The Internal Revenue Service decided many nonprofit NIL collectives were erroneously given charitable status. — James Pollard, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Make sure estate documents and beneficiary designations reflect your wishes, including charitable giving. — Angie O’Leary, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Harry, meanwhile, will continue his charitable work on both sides of the Atlantic, including preparations for the Invictus Games, which are set to take place in Birmingham, England, in July 2027. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for charitable

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of charitable was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing charitable

Rhymes for charitable

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Browse Nearby Words

charisticary
charitable
charitable gift
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Cite this Entry

“Charitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charitable. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

charitable

adjective
char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈchar-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce charitable (audio)
1
: freely giving money or help to poor and needy persons : generous
2
: given for the needy : of service to the needy
charitable funds
a charitable institution
3
: kindly in judging other people
charitableness noun
charitably
-blē How to pronounce charitable (audio)
adverb

Legal Definition

charitable

adjective
char·​i·​ta·​ble
: of or relating to charity
charitable contributions
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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