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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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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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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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 These firms often present self-dealing as benevolence, playing to win in ways that erode trust and long-term resilience. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 That might appear to be pay-it-forward benevolence from Stankoven. — Sean Gentille, New York Times, 28 May 2026 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 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
  • Patience and kindness can go a long way, Henderson says, and Seshadri reminds everyone to extend that respect to the airport staff and your fellow passengers.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Be patient when a grocery store cashier with disabilities rings up your items — kindness can go a long way.
    — John Gill, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • At Owen’s wedding, Pella’s engagement falls apart and her friendship with Irma seems to reach a breaking point.
    — B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Based between Saudi Arabia and The Netherlands, AlSoghayer’s work explores womanhood, memory, friendship, patriarchy and growing up within a rapidly changing society.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of friendship
Noun
  • On my first listen to Nirosta Steel, I was so affected by the tenderness of the music and his voice.
    — Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • On screen, Guitarrica’s expressive and angular visage conveys the fright and uncertainty that afflict his character, who is desperate for tenderness.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of tenderness
Noun
  • Metal forks are stored handles downward and plastic forks are positioned both directions for patron self service.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • These tools are primarily used by those who make less than $50,000 according to a 2022 Government Accountability Office report, with food and rent being the key reasons people use the service, one case study of food and restaurant workers found.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of service
Noun
  • All the more reason for leaders to play the generosity sweepstakes in ways that are advantageous to them.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Give creators the freedom and resources to do something meaningful for their own communities, whether that means recognizing someone, supporting a local cause or simply creating a moment of generosity or care.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • The anti-catalog exposed, after the fact of the Bicentennial, the grotesqueries of corporate beneficence and private boosters that had supplemented the government’s project.
    — Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of beneficence
Noun
  • But there’s gotta be a better way to do this than leave people to the mercies of the market when the market has no mercy.
    — John E. McDonough, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Showing mercy to murderers historically has not been popular with voters.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of mercy
Noun
  • Rice’s reputation as the rare C-suite suit with both taste and talent-friendliness followed him out of Disney to a non-exclusive production and co-financing deal with A24 for both TV and film.
    — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
  • These battlewagons have many pluses, but user-friendliness isn't one of them.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of friendliness

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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 25 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on benevolence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about benevolence

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