charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈcher-ə-tə-bəl How to pronounce charitable (audio)
ˈcha-rə-
Synonyms of charitable
1
: full of love for and goodwill toward others : benevolent
2
a
: liberal in benefactions to the needy : generous
b
: of or relating to charity
charitable institutions
3
: merciful or kind in judging others : lenient
charitableness noun
charitably
ˈcher-ə-tə-blē How to pronounce charitable (audio)
ˈcha-rə-
adverb

Synonyms of charitable

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Examples of charitable in a Sentence

She makes a charitable donation every year. He performs charitable work to help the poor. They give money to charitable causes. She has tried to be charitable about her sister's problems. Half of the class has a chance at passing the test, and that is a charitable estimate.
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.
The patron saint of charitable societies, he is primarily recognized for his charity and compassion for the poor, though he is also known for his reform of the clergy and for his early role in opposing Jansenism. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 Tax law changes have prompted businesses to reconsider their charitable strategies. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 In a lawsuit, her attorney also claims NJSN never told the family the donation was not charitable. — Christine Sloan, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 But everything else will be used to fund a charitable foundation devoted to mental health and education programs, run by an outside adviser. — Christina Wing, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for charitable

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of charitable was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing charitable

Rhymes for charitable

See All Rhymes for charitable

Browse Nearby Words

charisticary
charitable
charitable gift
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Charitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charitable. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

charitable

adjective
char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈchar-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce charitable (audio)
1
: freely giving money or help to poor and needy persons : generous
2
: given for the needy : of service to the needy
charitable funds
a charitable institution
3
: kindly in judging other people
charitableness noun
charitably
-blē How to pronounce charitable (audio)
adverb

Legal Definition

charitable

adjective
char·​i·​ta·​ble
: of or relating to charity
charitable contributions
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