Meaning & use

magnanimous

adjective·Advanced

Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful.

See it in a sentence

The winning coach was magnanimous in victory, praising the losing team's effort.

She remained magnanimous even after her opponent tried to discredit her.

A note on using this word

Magnanimity implies rising above pettiness, often after a conflict; it suggests generosity of spirit rather than material giving.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

pettyvindictive

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