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as in philanthropy
the giving of necessities and especially money to the needy after amassing a fortune in the computer industry, the brothers devoted themselves to charity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in contribution
a gift of money or its equivalent to a charity, humanitarian cause, or public institution donated his mansion and all of its land as a charity to the people of his beloved home state

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun charity differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of charity are clemency, grace, leniency, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

When is clemency a more appropriate choice than charity?

The meanings of clemency and charity largely overlap; however, clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

When is it sensible to use grace instead of charity?

While in some cases nearly identical to charity, grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When can leniency be used instead of charity?

Although the words leniency and charity have much in common, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When might mercy be a better fit than charity?

The synonyms mercy and charity are sometimes interchangeable, but mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

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 charity Black-tie affairs, over-the-top birthdays, a grand night at the ballet, or a glitzy charity function? Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 May 2025 Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501(c)(3) public charity. Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2025 The charity said the benefit has so far raised nearly $300 million for its research programs on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Miranda Murray, USA Today, 24 May 2025 OpenAI may have a vested interest in keeping certain charities off its cap table, because many employees are passionate about different, sometimes competing, facets of AI safety. Hayden Field, CNBC, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for charity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charity
Noun
  • In addition to her passion for making tasteful and affordable accessories, Scott has a heart for philanthropy.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • The key revenue sources are driven by ticket sales, television, sponsorship and philanthropy.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • If her body isn’t always willing, her mind and her heart are still keen on the sport, so Press makes her most valuable contributions now in the quiet of the locker room.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
  • Companies must also foster a culture that prioritizes adaptability, encourages continuous learning, and values employee contributions.
    Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • When sending and receiving payments, SMBs can find themselves at the mercy of exchange rates.
    Visa Contributor, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • But Cuomo and others are wrong to assume that the city is at the mercy of Capitol lawmakers.
    Paul Sonn, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • By Carol McCloud, Illustrated by David Messing Summary: This book explains clearly and simply how everyone has an invisible bucket that can be filled through small acts of kindness or emptied by acts of thoughtlessness or cruelty.
    Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Among the many points for assessing happiness around the world, like sharing meals with others and family bonds, researchers for the 2025 World Happiness Report looked closely at acts of kindness.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Kate Hudson and Mindy Kaling’s friendship began in classic Hollywood fashion: while being snubbed at an Oscar party.
    Kara Warner, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
  • Researchers also found that having strong friendships or being part of a close group is associated with higher rates of breakups.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • The three men are all longtime Miami residents who have experienced homelessness and rely on donations to make a living, according to the complaint.
    Vivienne Serret, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
  • Regulators and watchdogs have also long been concerned about donations from individuals with ties to foreign interests.
    Brian Slodysko, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Infused with equal parts outrage and sympathy, the song is a must-listen in these trying times.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025
  • There was little sympathy for the congressman’s words among the 100 or so protesters who turned out for the news conference held at the bottom of the building’s west steps.
    John Aguilar, Denver Post, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 28 May 2025
  • What Thornton is striving toward, an embrace of generosity, of humanity being able to change what faith and religion even mean, is often moving.
    Ella Kemp, IndieWire, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Charity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charity. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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