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 Socialists are counting on the promise of a society where all needs are met by a benevolent government to convert voters to their ranks. — Nolan Finley The Detroit News, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026 Beyond this specific aspect, all on the team praised the benevolent and warm atmosphere in which the shooting took place. — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026 In his day, as in ours, a dominant narrative portrayed scientific development as both benevolent and inevitable. — Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026 The Musk Myth How Hollywood burnished the entrepreneur’s image as a benevolent genius. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 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
  • The far left's open borders policy was not fair or compassionate.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Judges could sometimes consider changes to the law when deciding whether to grant compassionate release to inmates who had served at least 10 years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • The cast and crew filmed a charity auction scene to put the spotlight on Bears Care, the team’s charitable arm.
    — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
  • For a business leader in a similar position with resources available to them, the starting point for corporate charitable giving is understanding what the nonprofit organization needs and where the business can contribute effectively.
    — Kenneth Coffey, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • The world has lost one of its brightest lights and kindest souls.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Please be kind and respectful of other customers lined up for gas.
    — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 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
  • So the landlord was sympathetic to the cause and the idea of having a bookstore here.
    — Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Don’t worry, the breakdown starts in a hurry and Cardellini is terrifying, if perhaps not as sympathetic as the series requires long-term.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of sympathetic
Adjective
  • Joe sought a presidential pardon in June 2025, and Gia said in August 2026 that the family had filed a humanitarian packet as part of its efforts to bring him home.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The result was a humanitarian crisis that at the time was considered the world’s worst, with some 377,000 people killed, according to the Yemen Data Project, which tracks casualties from Yemen’s various conflicts.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • Nakamura demanded humane and fair treatment of the journalist and for Japanese officials to be allowed to have contact with him, the ministry said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • America needs an immigration system that is orderly, humane, and actually works.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • Even if Chili’s dismissal is unrelated, an ex-employee is a good place to start.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In 2025, Toho posted its best-ever results at the Japanese box office.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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