benefactor
noun
ben·e·fac·tor
ˈbe-nə-ˌfak-tər 
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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
As president, Ikenberry forcefully and consistently reached out to private benefactors and the business community to develop stronger ties and partnerships.
—
Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump and his benefactor, the tech billionaire Elon Musk, have taken a chainsaw to the government.
—Elizabeth David-Barrett, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025
The greatest curatorial challenge of this rehang was likely the area dedicated to the Center’s benefactors, many of whom had a hand in slavery or mercantile routes.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Directed by benefactors Joan and Sanford I. Weill, the former CEO of Citigroup, the gift will be matched by funding from each of the partner institutions that will total more than $125 million when combined.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
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Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump and his benefactor, the tech billionaire Elon Musk, have taken a chainsaw to the government.
—Elizabeth David-Barrett, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025
The greatest curatorial challenge of this rehang was likely the area dedicated to the Center’s benefactors, many of whom had a hand in slavery or mercantile routes.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Directed by benefactors Joan and Sanford I. Weill, the former CEO of Citigroup, the gift will be matched by funding from each of the partner institutions that will total more than $125 million when combined.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benefactor
Cite this Entry
“Benefactor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benefactor. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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