1 munificence | Definition of munificence
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

munificent

adjective
mu·​nif·​i·​cent | \ myu̇-ˈni-fÉ™-sÉ™nt How to pronounce munificent (audio) \

Definition of munificent

1 : very liberal in giving or bestowing (see bestow sense 4) : lavish munificent donors
2 : characterized by great liberality or generosity a munificent gift
Other Words from munificent Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about munificent

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from munificent

munificence \ myu̇-​ˈni-​fÉ™-​sÉ™n(t)s How to pronounce munificence (audio) \ noun
munificently adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for munificent

liberal, generous, bountiful, munificent mean giving or given freely and unstintingly. liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given. a teacher liberal with her praise generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift. a generous offer of help bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing. children spoiled by bountiful presents munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes. a munificent foundation grant

Did You Know?

Munificent was formed back in the late 1500s when English speakers, perhaps inspired by similar words such as "magnificent," altered the ending of "munificence." "Munificence" in turn comes from "munificus," the Latin word for "generous," which itself comes from "munus," a Latin noun that is variously translated as "gift," "duty," or "service." "Munus" has done a fine service to English by giving us other terms related to service or compensation, including "municipal" and "remunerate."

Examples of munificent in a Sentence

a munificent host who has presided over many charitable events at his mansion

Recent Examples on the Web

 GateHouse’s approach to its newspapers in recent years has made Gannett look almost munificent by contrast. — Washington Post, "When local news goes away, citizens suffer. Gannett’s megamerger will probably just inflict more pain.," 16 Aug. 2019 The best song Oscars category has always been a curious creature, a mash-up of hits, snoozers and misfires, and a munificent source of Academy Awards moments that can astonish, or bore, or mortify. — Cara Buckley, New York Times, "The Agony, Absurdity and Ecstasy of the Oscar for Best Song," 14 Feb. 2018 Summing up his desire to give a voice to the marginalized and overlooked, the munificent director even ponies up for an electric larynx when one of the brothers is rendered mute after an operation. — Neil Young, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Cuba and the Cameraman': Film Review | Venice 2017," 17 Sep. 2017 But she was outnumbered by the other witnesses who, in varying degrees, said the pay system is outdated or relatively munificent. — Joe Davidson | Columnist, Washington Post, "Trump, Hill Republicans target ‘overly generous compensation’ for feds," 22 May 2017 His many munificent mutterings include: the Shadowy Shades of the Seraphim, the Seven Rings of Raggadorr and — who can forget? — the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth. 3. — Dana Jennings, New York Times, "Review: ‘Doctor Strange’ and His Most Excellent Adventure NOV. 3, 2016," 27 Oct. 2016 His many munificent mutterings include: the Shadowy Shades of the Seraphim, the Seven Rings of Raggadorr and — who can forget? — the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth. — Dana Jennings, New York Times, "Review: ‘Doctor Strange’ and His Most Excellent Adventure NOV. 3, 2016," 27 Oct. 2016 This perception reminds us that the Voting Rights Act was not passed as part of an inexorable march toward full citizenship that proceeded from the essentially munificent heart of an exceptional America. — Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, "Look How Very Far We Still Have To Go," 26 Feb. 2013

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'munificent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of munificent

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for munificent

back-formation from munificence, from Latin munificentia, from munificus generous, from munus service, gift — more at mean

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for munificent

munificent

adjective
How to pronounce munificent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of munificent

formal : very generous

See the full definition for munificent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on munificent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for munificent

Nglish: Translation of munificent for Spanish Speakers

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!