munificent

[ myoo-nif-uh-suhnt ]

adjective

1. extremely liberal in giving; very generous.

   Synonyms: lavish, bounteous, bountiful

2. characterized by great generosity:

   a munificent bequest.

munificent

/ mjuːˈnɪfɪsənt /

adjective

1. (of a person) very generous; bountiful
2. (of a gift) generous; liberal

Derived Forms

• muˈnificently, adverb
• muˈnificence, noun

Other Words From

• mu·nifi·cence mu·nifi·cent·ness noun
• mu·nifi·cent·ly adverb
• unmu·nifi·cent adjective
• unmu·nifi·cent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of munificent¹

First recorded in 1565–75; back formation from munificence or from Latin mūnificentia “generosity, bountifulness,” equivalent to mūnific(us) “generous, bountiful” ( muni-, combining form of mūnus “service, duty, gift” + -ficus -fic ) + -entia -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of munificent¹

C16: back formation from Latin mūnificentia liberality, from mūnificus, from mūnus gift + facere to make

Synonym Study

See generous.

Example Sentences

Next to world food programs, it’s hard to think of a more munificent humanitarian contribution.

From Washington Post

It’s a joy to see the rest of the series catch up with her munificent excellence in its sophomore year.

From Washington Post

How would Mr. Courtney make this munificent procurement dream come true?

From New York Times

But it is possible to imagine China exploiting that medicine as a domestic moneymaker, or as leverage over developing countries to whom it will play the munificent benefactor.

From Washington Post

The Trump administration’s withholding of funds from the World Health Organization handed Mr. Xi a chance to appear munificent when he pledged $2 billion in assistance and promised to make any vaccine widely available.

From New York Times