HUMANITARIAN Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

humanitarian 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of humanitarian

as in philanthropic

having or showing a concern for the welfare of others humanitarian efforts to aid the earthquake victims

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

humanitarian

2 of 2

noun

as in philanthropist

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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 humanitarian

Adjective

And now those still left in the battered city along Ukraine's southeastern front face death from hunger or disease as another harsh winter looms, with no agreement in sight for even a humanitarian evacuation. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 And now those still left in the battered city along Ukraine’s southeastern front face death from hunger or disease as another harsh winter looms, with no agreement in sight for even a humanitarian evacuation. — Yuras Karmanau, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026

Noun

His knowledge and experience on the team was a critical role for the planet's survival and the health of its inhabitants, a true humanitarian. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026 Those actions have generated fierce legal challenges and criticism from humanitarians. — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for humanitarian

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humanitarian

Adjective

Some billionaires have also pledged philanthropic contributions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
That would have been even a few more million bucks on top of what already looks more like a philanthropic civic act more than a savvy investment on Tullman’s impassioned part, but an enthusiastic punter can dream.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Definition of philanthropic

Noun

Growing support for the arts in small town America, funded by philanthropists including the Carnegie Foundation, created more opportunities for Wood to make work that felt characteristic of his region.

— Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Villa Serena, the Mediterranean-style home of Progressive-era politician and three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan, sits on the estate Griffin bought from banker and philanthropist Adrienne Arsht in 2022.

— Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of philanthropist

Adjective

Ford Motor Company has its own charitable arm, Ford Philanthropy, which is funded by the company’s earnings.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Another friend, Wanda Love, was a longtime head of a local chamber of commerce who participated in charitable causes.

— Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of charitable

Adjective

Larger-than-life Halloween celebrations rise up every October like the Great Pumpkin (or a benevolent spooky spirit or two) to captivate visitors with parades, caramel apples, costume contests, and more.

— Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026
Promotional images and films conjured a playful, adaptable and benevolent house — plastic as the building block of family happiness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of benevolent

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humanitarianism

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Style

“Humanitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humanitarian. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of humanitarian

adjective

noun

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