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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

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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

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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 Naturally, Rocky impossibly triumphed in the charity mismatch. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 25 July 2025 His charity collaborates with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Communities in Schools. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2025 The charity’s goal is to help disadvantaged youth in the U.K. Evans served as an ambassador. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025 That makes the the initial 0.5% of income donated to charity not deductible. Bruce Brumberg, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for charity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charity
Noun
  • As Espinoza’s understanding of philanthropy and corporate responsibility deepened, so did his resolve.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • The source noted that philanthropy is part of their mutual attraction.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • His 2024 contributions are quantifiable: 8.5 sacks, 40 quarterback hits and 67 pressures, the latter the most by an interior lineman, per Next Gen Stats.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025
  • But perhaps his greatest contribution in his second term as president may be forcing people in all sectors of society to confront important issues in education, immigration and citizenship that have for far too long operated on autopilot with little concern for the ultimate consequences.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Stars, valued by Forbes at $2 billion, have shown their competitors little mercy.
    Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Sadly this image strongly resonates now, in an era when too many children are still at the mercy of war and conflict.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Cole has known Hussein for about six years and has seen how Hussein's kindness, character and compassion has inspired countless people at the school.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • His 90 years are saturated with kindness, love and compassion… driven by a fearless, diamond-like wisdom that engages a deeply divided world.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • Wolff and Horner are not known for their friendship.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • But research on romantic beliefs suggests that idealizing a partner can actually predict greater disappointment over time, especially when initial chemistry masks incompatible values, true friendship or aligned long-term goals.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The challenge has pivoted into a nationwide fundraiser for St. Jude Hospital, and the couple celebrated $4 million donations during their stay in Michigan.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
  • Stratford schools have raised $2 million in donations for the American Heart Association over time.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Colbert expressed sympathy for Harris having to endure it.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2025
  • After the shooting in Manhattan, Mamdani expressed sympathy to the victims on social media.
    Nicole Russell, USA Today, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • The best advice networks are built on two key ingredients: generosity and trust.
    Lewis Schiff, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Fuentes Espinal works in construction to support his family and has spent the last 15 years as a volunteer pastor at Iglesia del Nazareno Jesus Te Ama, also known as the Church of the Nazarene Jesus Loves You, where he is known for his sermons and generosity.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Charity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charity. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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