benefactor

noun

ben·​e·​fac·​tor ˈbe-nə-ˌfak-tər How to pronounce benefactor (audio)
Synonyms of benefactor
: someone or something that provides help or an advantage : one that confers a benefit
a benefactor of humankind
especially : a person who makes a gift or bequest
His endowments … placed him high among the benefactors of the convent. Jane Austen
a wealthy benefactor

Did you know?

A benefactor may be involved in almost any field. One may endow a scholarship fund; another may give money to expand a library; still another may leave a generous sum to a hospital in her will. The famous benefactions of John D. Rockefeller included the gifts that established the University of Chicago, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Rockefeller University. Many benefactors have reported that giving away their money turned out to be the most rewarding thing they ever did.

Examples of benefactor in a Sentence

With the help of a rich benefactor he set up a charity. an anonymous benefactor gave the school a dozen new computers
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.
The three-story facility has been named the Shiley STEM Initiative building in honor of philanthropist Darlene Marcos Shiley, one of the largest benefactors of USD, a private Catholic university located in San Diego’s Linda Vista neighborhood. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026 The orphanage was funded by a group of wealthy benefactors that included Chae-ni’s grandmother. Kayti Burt, Time, 15 May 2026 The Blackstone was renamed the Merle Reskin Theatre for a benefactor, the famously ebullient Merle Reskin, a lovable arts lover who died in 2023. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026 Christianity – Joseph was called to be a benefactor, not a beneficiary. Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for benefactor

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of benefactor was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Benefactor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benefactor. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

benefactor

noun
bene·​fac·​tor
ˈben-ə-ˌfak-tər
: one who helps another especially by giving money

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