1
as in benevolent
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others
a beneficent couple who are regular volunteers at a homeless shelter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in charitable
having or showing a concern for the welfare of others
a beneficent effort to help out the needy during the holidays
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in beneficial
promoting or contributing to personal or social well-being
cultural activities have a beneficent effect on a community that can't be measured in dollars and cents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 beneficent
But in Las Vegas, where spectacle-over-substance is kind of the whole point, the Wizard was a beneficent showman.
—
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2025
Far away from the old, broken planet, a libertarian utopia will flourish, under the beneficent sway of the Elon.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
White male Christian authority could posture as gracious and beneficent as long as it was unquestioned.
—Rebecca Solnit
january 13, Literary Hub, 13 Jan. 2021
Both center-left and center-right in the West coalesce around calls for more porous borders, freer trade, and open minds, calling them either inevitable or beneficent, or more often both at once.
—R. R. Reno, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2018
See All Example Sentences for beneficent
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2025
Far away from the old, broken planet, a libertarian utopia will flourish, under the beneficent sway of the Elon.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
White male Christian authority could posture as gracious and beneficent as long as it was unquestioned.
—Rebecca Solnit
january 13, Literary Hub, 13 Jan. 2021
Both center-left and center-right in the West coalesce around calls for more porous borders, freer trade, and open minds, calling them either inevitable or beneficent, or more often both at once.
—R. R. Reno, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2018
See All Example Sentences for beneficent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beneficent
Adjective
-
That’s particularly noteworthy with sloths, with faces configured in a permanently benevolent expression.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
-
First bred in Canada and known as a fine water rescue dog, these gentle giants are supremely kind to everyone and display a benevolent, protective nature.—
Aditya Simha,
The Conversation,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Youngs have a private, charitable, family foundation in Celebration, Florida, and a home in Kissimmee, Florida.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 May 2026
-
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Another critic blasted Moore and other AI defenders for treating the technology as unavoidable rather than beneficial.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
-
Marigolds, sunflowers, and borage boost pollination, repel aphids, and attract beneficial insects.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Similarly, while conversational agents can reflect compassionate language, genuine compassion comes from a place of concern.—
Steve D. Klein,
STAT,
14 May 2026
-
Advice on relationships, family, work and everyday life with practical, compassionate guidance and a touch of humor.—
R Eric Thomas,
Baltimore Sun,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
About the Rancho Santa Fe FoundationThe Rancho Santa Fe Foundation partners with individuals, families, and organizations to turn philanthropic vision into meaningful impact.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
In six short years, Rare Beauty, Selena Gomez‘s beauty brand, has raised $30 million toward the star’s philanthropic goal of giving $100 million to mental health causes.—
Merle Ginsberg,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Some time later, a colleague convinced him to rein in his gland reductions, arguing that the glands could instead be moved into a more favorable position by adjusting the platysma using a specific technique.—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
14 May 2026
-
The lawsuit argues that allowing such a transfer could create incentives for states to enrich a president in hopes of favorable federal treatment.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Pause, cut the message down to what is clear and kind, then respond from the present instead of the undertow.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
-
And some were not kind to him on social media following the terrible first round.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
The operation marks the first time the United Kingdom's military has sent medical personnel by parachute to provide humanitarian support, according to the British Ministry of Defense.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
-
The hijacking of humanitarian aid convoys by Hamas and armed gangs prevented the civilian population from receiving food and medicines.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Beneficent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beneficent. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
