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Definition of benefactor

benefactor

/ˈbɛnɪˌfæktər/
ben · e · fac · tor
Plural:benefactors
•
Adjective:benefactory
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benefactor Lexical Profile

benefactor Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who gives money or other help to a person, institution, or cause.

Example

"An anonymous benefactor donated two million dollars to help build the new public library."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for benefactor
Antonyms
View all antonyms for benefactor

Word Nuance & Usage

Carefully distinguish between a 'benefactor' (the person who gives help or money) and a 'beneficiary' (the person who receives the help or money).

• Nearby Words

beneath
benedict
benediction
benefactor
benefactress
beneficently
beneficial

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Late Latin benefactor, a compound of bene ('well') and factor ('maker' or 'doer', from the verb facere).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Benefactor. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/benefactor
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