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 City leaders agree large, unsupervised gatherings could put kids at risk even if most attendees are there for benevolent reasons. — Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026 Supporters of the legislation will argue that their intentions were benevolent and kind. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026 This is applicable in equal measures to leaders ordinarily deemed benevolent, and those considered destructive. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The idea is to encourage investment in infrastructure, but a particularly benevolent owner could pour in vast sums that could then be used on the squad. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 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
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 The routine that keeps draining you may need a more compassionate rhythm.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The vaccine is being used under a compassionate-use program, which allows a medical product to be used in a serious disease situation even though it has not been specifically approved for that particular use.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • The league could expand its existing community programs by partnering with food banks, funding mobile food pantries, providing meals to children during the offseason and directing team charitable dollars toward local food-security programs.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Melissa Sue Gerrits | Getty Images Federal law provides tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) to organizations that operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.
    — Greg Iacurci,Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • Honestly, the real amenity here is the staff, who made a very big, bustling corner of the city feel warm and kind.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In another life, a life that was kind to black people, Atlas would’ve been a scientist or a king or a master craftsman.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 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
  • With the ownership transfer and a potentially sympathetic mayor, the future of the graves at Higgs Beach enters another period of hope and uncertainty.
    — Oliver Wu, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The smartest plaintiffs' attorneys are doing a good job shopping for judges sympathetic to their cases — and there are more than 30 at the moment with nearly 400 athletes involved.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of sympathetic
Adjective
  • Sudan’s civil war, a conflict credibly described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, has seen violence matched only by the belligerents’ rapacity in pillaging the country’s riches.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • That blockade has perpetuated a humanitarian crisis in much of Yemen.
    — Becky Anderson, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • Luckily, there are plenty of humane ways to encourage them to relocate.
    — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the new parent, whom the humane society dubbed Mercy, was emaciated, weak and struggling to breathe, with wound abscesses on her swollen face and mouth.
    — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • Jarren Duran hit his 20th homer, a solo shot on the first pitch from Grayson Rodriguez (4-7), to spark a four-run second inning for Boston, which improved to an MLB-best 34-17 since the All-Star break.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
  • General manager Andrew Berry and his staff have done a good job cleaning up their own mess caused by the 2022 Watson trade sinking the ship.
    — Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2026.

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