benefactress
noun
ben·e·fac·tress ˈbe-nə-ˌfak-tris 
: a woman who is a benefactor
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Ross resigned, at Stanford’s behest and amid great scandal, forcing Jordan to take the blame for the decision and defend his benefactress in order to save the university’s reputation. 
Maia Silber, The New Yorker, 30 May 2022 Christian Temperance Union leader Frances Willard and millionaire benefactress Alva Belmont. Lila Thulin, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2020 Ragan had served as benefactress to his predecessor, and her money helped make Rosenberger the youngest House speaker in the nation. Chrissie Thompson, Cincinnati.com, 9 June 2018 Looking for an alternative, Batchelder and Ragan – the statesman's longtime friend and benefactress – considered Rosenberger. Jessie Balmert, Cincinnati.com, 23 Apr. 2018 Leading the festival last weekend was not Jurowski, but the amiable Stéphane Denève, whose longtime friend Wilmington philanthropist Tatiana Copeland was its benefactress. Peter Dobrin, Philly.com, 1 May 2017
Maia Silber, The New Yorker, 30 May 2022 Christian Temperance Union leader Frances Willard and millionaire benefactress Alva Belmont. Lila Thulin, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2020 Ragan had served as benefactress to his predecessor, and her money helped make Rosenberger the youngest House speaker in the nation. Chrissie Thompson, Cincinnati.com, 9 June 2018 Looking for an alternative, Batchelder and Ragan – the statesman's longtime friend and benefactress – considered Rosenberger. Jessie Balmert, Cincinnati.com, 23 Apr. 2018 Leading the festival last weekend was not Jurowski, but the amiable Stéphane Denève, whose longtime friend Wilmington philanthropist Tatiana Copeland was its benefactress. Peter Dobrin, Philly.com, 1 May 2017 Word History
First Known Use
1711, in the meaning defined above
benefactress
noun
as in benefactor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- benefactor
- patroness
- donor
- philanthropist
- almoner
- donator
- fairy godmother
- patron
- sugar daddy
- giver
- angel
- contributor
- altruist
- bestower
- helper
- Maecenas
- protector
- subscriber
- supporter
- savior
- almsgiver
- guardian angel
- saviour
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- beneficiary
- recipient
- donee
- giftee