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

But, as Kalita pointed out to me, these efforts aren’t some munificent acts of benevolence that the privileged should pat themselves on the back for—they’re a moral obligation.

From Slate

California, the Court majority has offered the country a “teasing illusion like a munificent bequest in a pauper’s will.”

From Slate

More significantly, Rolling Stone wrote a critical piece about country singer Morgan Wallen, reminiscent of Washington Post reporter David Fahrenthold’s Pulitzer-winning investigations of Donald Trump’s claims of his munificent charitable donations.

From Washington Post