GENEROUS Synonyms: 132 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'generous' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of generous are bountiful , liberal , and munificent . While all these words mean "giving or given freely and unstintingly," generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift. // a generous offer of help

Q: Where would 'bountiful' be a reasonable alternative to 'generous'?

The synonyms bountiful and generous are sometimes interchangeable, but bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing. // children spoiled by bountiful presents

Q: When might 'liberal' be a better fit than 'generous'?

In some situations, the words liberal and generous are roughly equivalent. However, liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given. // a teacher liberal with her praise

Q: When is 'munificent' a more appropriate choice than 'generous'?

The words munificent and generous can be used in similar contexts, but munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes. // a munificent foundation grant

generous

adjective

ˈje-nə-rəs

Definition of generous next

as in charitable

giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation a civic leader who is very generous with his money and time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in plentiful

being more than enough without being excessive mashed potatoes with a generous serving of butter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective generous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of generous are bountiful, liberal, and munificent. While all these words mean "giving or given freely and unstintingly," generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift.

a generous offer of help

Where would bountiful be a reasonable alternative to generous?

The synonyms bountiful and generous are sometimes interchangeable, but bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing.

children spoiled by bountiful presents

When might liberal be a better fit than generous?

In some situations, the words liberal and generous are roughly equivalent. However, liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given.

a teacher liberal with her praise

When is munificent a more appropriate choice than generous?

The words munificent and generous can be used in similar contexts, but munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes.

a munificent foundation grant

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of generous Even the most generous estimates suggest that alternative currencies [sic] account for no more than 6% of all national TV spend, although that figure likely will rise should CBS and Nielsen fail to come to terms on a new contract. —

Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Step 6 Spread a generous amount of korma sauce on a platter, reserving some to serve on the side. —

Joe Yonan, Saveur, 23 Jan. 2025 Put peeled and sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water by 2 inches, and add a generous couple pinches of salt. —

Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2025 Still waiting for an organ, Richard relented, deciding to accept his friend’s generous offer. —

Allan Chernoff, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for generous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for generous

Adjective

However, a handful of events will carry on with a charitable component, including the starry Clive Davis party and MusiCares tribute concert.

— Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2025