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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benevolent
Settle into yourself, shine your benevolent light, hold yourself with tenderness.
—
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
At a slow, quiet and benevolent pace that blurred the lines between reality and fiction.
—Kevin Giraud, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
The North’s decisions about prisoner exchanges were based on military calculations, not benevolent concern for Black captives.
—Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
We are mostly meant to feel the movie, to allow our souls to be prodded and hugged tightly by this benevolent picture’s generous assessment of the most dangerous animal to ever exist on the planet.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benevolent
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
At a slow, quiet and benevolent pace that blurred the lines between reality and fiction.
—Kevin Giraud, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
The North’s decisions about prisoner exchanges were based on military calculations, not benevolent concern for Black captives.
—Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
We are mostly meant to feel the movie, to allow our souls to be prodded and hugged tightly by this benevolent picture’s generous assessment of the most dangerous animal to ever exist on the planet.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benevolent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benevolent
Adjective
-
Audrey Jones described her brother — who left behind two children — as loving, kind and compassionate.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Our compassionate president posted a heartfelt statement for former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who came from a wealthy family, and upon graduating from Princeton University, volunteered for service (no bone spurs here).—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Inflated charitable deduction schemes Some tax schemes encourage taxpayers to claim inflated deductions for non-cash donations, such as artwork, property or conservation easements.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
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This is a company that is outside of Minnesota and Allina is a nonprofit with Minnesota charitable assets.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Something as small as a kind word to a stranger can be as impactful as any headlining performance.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
-
These are big walleyes, the kind sportsmen pose with for pictures in the local newspapers.—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Sampson raised well over $1 billion in philanthropic resources alongside her team — leading and closing the inaugural $100 million Unite Forever endowment campaign three years ahead of schedule.—
Brian Womack,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Mar. 2026
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In some cases, researchers may have an idea that is not aligned strategically with how the university is raising philanthropic funds.—
Brian Herman,
Fortune,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
His sympathetic patter also gives Guirgis an opportunity to start weaving in the character’s politics.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
-
To the chat-group members, her signature came as a particular disappointment, because she was seen as more sympathetic to their concerns.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
One of the two sailboats carrying humanitarian aid that had previously gone missing arrives at the port of Havana on March 28, 2026.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
These encounters had convinced Beyer that many congregants were wrestling with how to square their sympathy for Jewish Israelis with the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Architecture like this, which reveals its structure while producing its effects, can make a museum feel slightly more humane.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
-
His coverage is funded by The Just Trust, a nonprofit that advocates for a humane justice system and reforms to problems in the system.—
Patrick Wilson,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Another newcomer, closer Pete Fairbanks, the Marlins’ $13 million free-agent splurge, finished the game in good fashion.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Mar. 2026
-
A level head will be your best asset.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Benevolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benevolent. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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