benevolent

adjective

bə-ˈnev-lənt How to pronounce benevolent (audio)
Definition of benevolentnext
1
as in compassionate
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others a benevolent willingness to provide veterinary services to low-income families at greatly reduced prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in charitable
having or showing a concern for the welfare of others a benevolent businessman who has donated money and time to helping inner-city youths

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 benevolent The teaser also offers glimpses of Vincent Lindon as Jean Valjean, the ex-convict who rebuilds his life as a benevolent industrialist, and Tahar Rahim as Inspector Javert, Valjean’s relentless nemesis. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 July 2026 Even though there are other siblings in the Fak family that make an appearance on The Bear, these brothers take center stage for their occasional quarreling and their benevolent behavior toward each other. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Hostile and benevolent sexism are early indicators of deeper problems. — Susan Madsen, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The vaunted ability of mass media to unify the globe here comes off as a benevolent form of tyranny, of a consensual unanimity in which the bearer of truth gains total attention, total acceptance, and total gratitude. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for benevolent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benevolent
  1. compassionate
  2. charitable
  3. kind
  4. philanthropic
  5. sympathetic
  6. humanitarian
  7. humane
  8. good
Adjective
  • However, patients such as those enrolled in this trial, doctors and others may contact the drug company with a request for compassionate use.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • The most compassionate thing a leader can do is make the right call with dignity.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • The church leaders called on lawmakers to retain existing tax exemptions for charitable organizations such as maternity homes, domestic violence shelters and food banks if Amendment 5 passes.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • The platform will convert audience watch-time on the title directly into charitable giving, extending the film’s impact well beyond its theatrical run.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 July 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • The Royals said kind things about Spencer last year too when the team called him up to mow part the lawn behind the CrownVision scoreboard in preparation for Opening Day.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
  • In season two, Gwyane was talking to Alicent about Daeron being kind and playing the lute and battling with the sword.
    — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Definition of kind
Adjective
  • Some billionaires have also pledged philanthropic contributions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • That would have been even a few more million bucks on top of what already looks more like a philanthropic civic act more than a savvy investment on Tullman’s impassioned part, but an enthusiastic punter can dream.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of philanthropic
Adjective
  • Moreover, Greek society as a whole tends to be rather left-leaning and traditionally sympathetic to the Arab side.
    — Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Republican leaders have generally been less sympathetic to unionization efforts of all types.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of sympathetic
Adjective
  • While Maduro and Flores have awaited trial in a federal detention facility in Brooklyn, their home country has been grappling with a humanitarian disaster following a pair of powerful back-to-back earthquakes in June, killing at least 5,278 people.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • The commercial challenge is that humanitarian budgets are fragmented, procurement is slow and customers need evidence that a new system improves safety rather than simply producing more data.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • In June, Nehemiah became the humane society's first volunteer to reach the 100-hour milestone, and the Jacksonville Humane Society presented him with a certificate to show its appreciation for his efforts.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • Puncturing the lobster kills it instantly, which isn’t a humane way of hunting them, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • Food that’s still good, but not for human consumption, is sent to local animal rescues and farms.
    — Zuri Primos July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • The Horned Frogs’ offensive line did a good job of creating holes for running backs Jeremy Payne and Landon Walker.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
Definition of good

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Cite this Entry

“Benevolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benevolent. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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