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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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 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
  • At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Her flop of a debate performance left her sounding like someone with no vision or kindness — career suicide for someone who has made her reputation on both traits.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Shuja could not bear seeing his son hurt and finally agreed to relinquish the diamond, but only if he was paid and guaranteed a treaty of friendship.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Clark and Floyd strike up a deep friendship, easing their suburban loneliness.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of friendship
Noun
  • These pockets expand in the oven to give your cookies lift, tenderness, and structure.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, Clark’s voice-over reveals how far his mind has wandered from the tenderness of those moments.
    — Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of tenderness
Noun
  • From ChatGPT and Claude, to autonomous vehicles, to the music streaming services recommend to users – people are interacting with AI regularly.
    — Max Darrow, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Vitaly, the neighbor from Horodyshche, said Berezovska’s mother was inconsolable during the service, which was attended by many.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of service
Noun
  • The article cautions against outsourcing relationship building to AI, noting that authentic connections require time, vulnerability, and generosity, offering no immediate gratification.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Her strength, warmth, generosity, and unmistakable personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
    — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 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
  • For instance, as a Christian, I am called to vote for doing justice, making peace, loving mercy, being humble, doing good and resisting evil and, most of all, loving my neighbor, whoever that is.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • And, no, professional football leaves no room for mercy from a defensive unit and its coaches toward an opposing offense, its quarterback or its coaches.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of mercy
Noun
  • Casual and low-key, but sophisticated and very personable—all the friendliness without the snootiness.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • In separate Wallet Hub analyses, California ranked seventh for the quality of childbirth healthcare, 23rd for baby-friendliness, 29th for family-friendliness and 51st for the cost of childbirth.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 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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