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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

Examples 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 But the precipitous rise of Chinese automakers, buoyed by generous state support and a new middle class, have left global automakers playing catch-up. Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 12 Dec. 2024 This single-story home boasts a generous living space with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024 Aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak, this wine has more generous tannins and can stand up to hearty fare, such as beef, lamb and complex cheeses. Liz Thach, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 That may come in the form of higher co-pays or deductibles or less generous plan benefits. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for generous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for generous
Adjective
  • Along with her entrepreneurial and charitable work, Crawford continues to front various modeling campaigns, adding to her growing legacy.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Finally, for your charitable regift to be effective, some special language in the paperwork is required.
    Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel Get Into the Holiday Spirit Ahead of First Christmas Together On the Drew & Jonathan website, the TV contractor shared that while their decor is certainly plentiful, sustainability is also a big factor in the family's Christmas decorating style.
    Tabitha Parent, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
  • But tech companies ought to be thinking about bringing data centers to places where renewable energy is plentiful, Intersect Power CEO Sheldon Kimber tells The Verge.
    Justine Calma, The Verge, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • At least seven Liberal members of parliament have publicly called on Trudeau to step down, and more have done so privately according to sources, CNN-affiliate CBC News reported.
    Lex Harvey, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Its most infamous crime was the 1984 murder of Alan Berg, an outspoken, liberal, Jewish radio host in Denver.
    Zach Baylin, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Why to Water Trees in the Winter Ensuring trees have ample soil moisture is important in winter, especially if the weather has been dry and soil is lacking moisture.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2024
  • There are ample signs of other firms pursuing higher profits, too.
    Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Indeed, megalomaniac philanthropy is benevolent narcissism at its best.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Relatedly, the authors’ assertion that France, Germany, and the United Kingdom will consent to a united foreign policy direction defies logic: great-power peace in Europe is due to an overwhelming Pax Americana, not because its countries have suddenly become benevolent.
    Sumantra Maitra, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near generous

Cite this Entry

“Generous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/generous. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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