philanthropic

adjective

phil·​an·​throp·​ic ˌfi-lən-ˈthrä-pik 

variants or less commonly philanthropical

ˌfi-lən-ˈthrä-pi-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by philanthropy : humanitarian

2

: dispensing or receiving aid from funds set aside for humanitarian purposes

philanthropically

ˌfi-lən-ˈthrä-pi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of philanthropic

• charitable
• humanitarian
• benevolent

Examples of philanthropic in a Sentence

a philanthropic society that has been doing good for over a century

Recent Examples on the Web

The ship’s medical team will also provide support to isolated communities during its travels, and residents participate in philanthropic initiatives centered on conservation, education, and community development. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2025

The apparent separation between the political and philanthropic arms of the former Arabella network may be an effort to lull donors like Gates back into the fold. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 21 Nov. 2025

Both were extremely philanthropic with not only their money but their time. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025

These are not philanthropic gestures. —Olivier Wenden, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for philanthropic

• arthroscopic
• barotropic
• cystoscopic
• endoscopic
• gyroscopic
• hygroscopic
• isentropic
• isotopic
• isotropic
• macroscopic
• microscopic
• orthotopic

Kids Definition

philanthropic

adjective

phil·​an·​throp·​ic ˌfil-ən-ˈthräp-ik 

: of, relating to, or devoted to philanthropy : charitable, benevolent

philanthropical

-ˈthräp-i-kəl

adjective