charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈcher-ə-tə-bəl 

ˈcha-rə-

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 

ˈcha-rə-

adverb

Synonyms of charitable

• philanthropic
• humanitarian
• benevolent

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

Over the coming two decades, baby boomers and older generations are projected to transfer around $84 trillion to younger heirs and charitable causes by 2045. —Ed Smith-Lewis, Fortune, 2 May 2026

Conversations might turn to metaphysical issues or charitable activities. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 2 May 2026

The Barnstable Brown Gala, held annually ahead of the Kentucky Derby, is known for drawing celebrities and high-profile guests while supporting charitable causes. —ABC News, 2 May 2026

Officials with the Interior Department apparently asked the NFL team’s charitable foundation last month about overseeing Langston Golf Course in Northeast Washington, as the golf course is less than a mile from the team’s future home at the former RFK Stadium site. —Christine Valora, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing charitable

• charitable gift

Rhymes for charitable

• uncharitable

Kids Definition

charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈchar-ət-ə-bəl 

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 

adverb

Legal Definition

charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble

: of or relating to charity

charitable contributions