beneficiary

Someone who receives money or property after another person dies.

• She is the sole beneficiary of the will.
• The beneficiaries shared their uncle’s estate.
• Each beneficiary received a letter from the executor.

How to use it: beneficiary of something (He was the main beneficiary of his aunt’s will.)

Similar words: heir, inheritor

Common phrases: sole beneficiary, beneficiary of something, named beneficiary

Someone who receives money from an insurance policy.

• The policy names his wife as beneficiary.
• Each beneficiary received an insurance payment.
• You can change the beneficiary on your policy.

How to use it: beneficiary of something (She is the beneficiary of his life insurance policy.)

Similar words: recipient

Common phrases: insurance beneficiary, named beneficiary, beneficiary of something

Given as a gift or favor, rather than earned or owed.

• The widow received a beneficiary gift.
• The council provided a small beneficiary grant.
• These beneficiary payments were given freely, without any obligation.

Similar words: gratuitous

Common phrases: beneficiary gift, beneficiary grant