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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective generous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of generous are bountiful, liberal, and munificent. While all these words mean "giving or given freely and unstintingly," generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift.

a generous offer of help

Where would bountiful be a reasonable alternative to generous?

The synonyms bountiful and generous are sometimes interchangeable, but bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing.

children spoiled by bountiful presents

When might liberal be a better fit than generous?

In some situations, the words liberal and generous are roughly equivalent. However, liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given.

a teacher liberal with her praise

When is munificent a more appropriate choice than generous?

The words munificent and generous can be used in similar contexts, but munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes.

a munificent foundation grant

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 generous Each slice gets a dollop of milky buffalo mozzarella and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025 Chelsea benefit from playing in one of the most affluent areas of London; without their generous location, gate receipts would be far lower. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025 Credit the 20-inch seat height, generous 20-inch back height, and the high-tenacity Robic nylon upper that stretches tightly against six connection points on the chair to provide firm upper back support. Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 21 Apr. 2025 Indeed suggests being generous with your time, energy and knowledge, implementing creativity in your work, and establishing your ability to work as a team as some of the ways to stand out. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for generous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for generous
Adjective
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
    Kevin Stankiewicz,Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Tax exemption is reserved for, among other categories, religious, charitable and educational organizations that meet 501(c)(3) qualifications with the IRS.
    Julia Mueller, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Color combinations of Masters green — also known as Pantone 342 — and Butter Yellow, the season’s hottest spring shade, have been plentiful.
    Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • This leaves the Mets to use their money somewhere else in free agency next winter, and the options should be plentiful.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Leading the charge for the religious parents was lawyer Eric Baxter, who got a grilling from the court's three liberal justices.
    Nina Totenberg, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The court’s three liberal justices all vigorously challenged the parents’ request in the case, seeing opt-out rights as a slippery slope.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The bag features ample space to fit essentials like a phone, wallet, a small cosmetics bag, sunglasses, and other must-haves.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The music is worshipped, but elsewhere there is an undercurrent of lawlessness and benevolent revolution.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This domino effect is the unintended benevolent effect of the one individual acting in their own self interest.
    Hessie Jones, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Generous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/generous. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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