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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 Harry's lawyers have criticized the decision to revoke his security, pointing to threats from terrorist group Al Qaeda and the couple's own 2023 paparazzi chase after the Netflix stars left a charity event in New York City. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2025 The vest was later sold in a charity auction, with the winning bid reaching $17,300 and Day agreeing to match that amount with a donation of his own. Brooks Peck, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 She was charged with treason in connection with a donation of about $52 to a charity aiding Ukraine, and later sentenced to 12 years in prison upon her conviction. Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025 The charity, Razom for Ukraine, has said its donations only go to humanitarian projects. Lucy Papachristou, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for charity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charity
Noun
  • Last year, philanthropy accounted for 45% of the school’s revenue.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Today’s Fiesta celebrates history and tradition, community, and philanthropy.
    Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Dwight, a former U.S. Air Force captain, subsequently became a sculptor well known for his contributions to art and history.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • If the money did go to political causes, the contributions could jeopardize the Hope Florida Foundation’s nonprofit status.
    Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Their operations and revenues remain at the mercy of uncontrollable natural forces.
    Guy Courtin, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Customers are at the mercy of electric companies that raised power prices 11% in 2022 and 2.5% in 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s state electricity profiles.
    Andrew Carpenter, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to serving others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Sure, the product is important, but kindness—the opposite of rudeness and apathy—is what keeps them coming back.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For now, Lynch and Valkyria are the two beloved babyfaces who can dominate the women’s tag team division and form a friendship.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • This is a reminder of how much work went on behind the scenes to make Nostra Aetate possible — and the extent to which friendships between Catholic and Jewish communities in America still matter today.
    Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Pat McAfee initially praised Travis Kelce for making a $3.3 million donation for the homeless, but the tight end admitted that the report was not true.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The agency negotiated that $10 million of the $67 million would be a donation to the Hope Florida Foundation.
    Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Shares of Advanced Micro Devices and Micron Technology fell 7% and 1%, respectively, in sympathy.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
  • And some had sympathy for what seemed like his intuitive habit, urging the creator and others in the comments to avoid judgement based on his past.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, as costs continue to rise, ensuring the future of these festivals depends on the generosity of attendees.
    Pamela Maass, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The generosity of donors and volunteers filled him with gratitude.
    Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Charity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charity. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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