benevolence

noun

bə-ˈnev-lən(t)s How to pronounce benevolence (audio)
Definition of benevolencenext
1
as in kindness
an act of kind assistance self-effacing as well as selfless, he refused all public acknowledgement of his many benevolences to the community

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in friendship
kindly concern, interest, or support her benevolence towards her employees was such that she actually let one live in her home temporarily

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tenderness
sympathetic concern for the well-being of others an actress who was admired for her benevolence as for her beauty

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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 benevolence Making maritime travel safer for people of all backgrounds and nationalities was another way to uphold this value of universal benevolence. — Amanda Moniz, The Conversation, 12 May 2026 Starlight), a member of the Seven who questions their benevolence. — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026 But Illinois couldn’t take advantage of the Huskies’ benevolence. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 Born into a family with a heritage of church-going, and benevolence, Amy discovered the possibility of a vibrant relationship with Jesus through the hippie days of the Belmont Church in the 1970s…and sang about it. — Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benevolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benevolence
  1. kindness
  2. friendship
  3. tenderness
  4. service
  5. generosity
  6. beneficence
  7. mercy
  8. friendliness
Noun
  • Kind and caring, William, 12, enjoys looking out for others and showing kindness in everyday moments.
    — The Star, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • Countless stories of Zeke’s kindness, bravery and commitment to a life of servitude took up the nearly eight-hour hearing.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • This film is the story of Tony and Emma – a friendship which unfolds unexpectedly.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026
  • Speaking to People in 2024, Garten raved about her friendship with Garner.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 20 July 2026
Definition of friendship
Noun
  • Infection signs — warmth, redness, tenderness or a fever over 100°F — warrant same-day evaluation, per University of Utah Health.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
  • Seek prompt care for signs of infection such as warmth, redness or tenderness, or a fever over 100°F.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026
Definition of tenderness
Noun
  • Administrative complaints and other disciplinary documents provide important details on the provider’s background and treatment history that could be crucial in your decision on whether to seek their services.
    — Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Assume the delay requires $5–10 billion of additional development and launch expenditure and defers—not permanently destroys—approximately $5 billion of annual future cash flow from Starlink V3 capacity, government work and launch services.
    — Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of service
Noun
  • Guelaguetza — also known as Los Lunes del Cerro, or Mondays on the Hill — is a centuries-old celebration rooted in community, generosity and cooperation, where the people of Oaxaca come together through music, dance, food and craftsmanship.
    — Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026
  • The Gracious Visionary interweaves documentary and reenacted components to tell the story of how his mindset was shaped by learning philosophy, playing cards and the generosity of others.
    — Nick Vivarelli for Variety, Robb Report, 20 July 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • Recommitting to Belmont’s core — respect, beneficence and justice — keeps the clinical‑trials enterprise worthy of public confidence.
    — Stephanie Haridopolos, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026
  • In a European women’s football ecosystem that still relies predominantly on the beneficence of men’s football, Kang’s bullishness to put her money where her mouth is naturally entices.
    — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Definition of beneficence
Noun
  • Elon Musk bailing it out and folding it into his empire was a mercy killing for long-time shareholders.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 23 July 2026
  • Prosecutors argued Horner showed Athena no mercy and asked jurors to impose the death penalty.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 21 July 2026
Definition of mercy
Noun
  • What that collaboration has come up with is a new knife that pushes Opinel's classic profile to new heights in terms of user friendliness and features.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
  • The friendliness, the blue-sky, anything-is-possible thinking, and their love of this land.
    — Priyanka Mattoo, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Definition of friendliness

Browse Nearby Words

benefits
benevolence
benevolences
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Cite this Entry

“Benevolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benevolence. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on benevolence

Nglish: Translation of benevolence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about benevolence

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