Synonyms of benefactor
: someone or something that provides help or an advantage : one that confers a benefit
a benefactor of humankind
especially : a person who makes a gift or bequest
His endowments … placed him high among the benefactors of the convent. Jane Austen
a wealthy benefactor

Did you know?

A benefactor may be involved in almost any field. One may endow a scholarship fund; another may give money to expand a library; still another may leave a generous sum to a hospital in her will. The famous benefactions of John D. Rockefeller included the gifts that established the University of Chicago, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Rockefeller University. Many benefactors have reported that giving away their money turned out to be the most rewarding thing they ever did.

Examples of benefactor in a Sentence

With the help of a rich benefactor he set up a charity. an anonymous benefactor gave the school a dozen new computers
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Dolly Parton, one of the greatest benefactors to children in world history while also being a role model to those who were without them, had died at 80. Choire Sicha, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 There have been years of public outcry, curatorial departures, and lost benefactors; Angelenos had grown proud of the original LACMA campus over time. George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 What is Macon involved in and who is his mysterious benefactor? Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The Warning were benefactors of this kind of sisterhood, finding open arms from predecessors like Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale, as well as the Pretty Reckless frontwoman Taylor Momsen, and Lilith Czar. Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benefactor

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of benefactor was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Benefactor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benefactor. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

benefactor

noun
bene·​fac·​tor
ˈben-ə-ˌfak-tər
: one who helps another especially by giving money
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