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

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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 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 The commissioners representing the Hawaiian Government have consented to leave to the future and to the just and benevolent purposes of the United States the adjustment of all such questions. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026 Winston Churchill himself favored some form of European unification, though without Britain, which, like the United States, was to remain outside it, as a benevolent and, naturally, superior power. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 That would be intolerable in any other setting – not because every voter or marcher is admirable, but because constitutional rights are not based on a government employee’s benevolent opinion. — George A. Mocsary, The Conversation, 7 July 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
  • Few people are as involved in as many different charitable endeavors as Andrea Massey-Farrell.
    — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The funding marks the first substantial philanthropic pledge toward the mayor’s plan, which city leaders hope to pay for by using a combination of tax dollars and charitable contributions.
    — Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 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
  • As Cuba’s hot summer nears its end with no sign of regime change on the communist-run island, Cubans continue to suffer miserable living conditions as the country’s humanitarian crisis gets disturbingly worse.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Elisha Wiesel, son of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel and chairman of the humanitarian organization that bears his father’s name, also joined the call to reconsider the honor.
    — Amber Garrett, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of humanitarian
Adjective
  • Rio Blanco County Commissioner Callie Scritchfield, however, said captivity is more humane than allowing the horses to roam free.
    — Stina Sieg, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The organization, previously known as The Humane Society of the United States, said three former dog meat vendors made the operation possible after deciding to leave the industry and pursue more humane careers.
    — Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • Best Amazon End-of-Season Patio Furniture Deals The end-of-season patio furniture deals at Amazon are too good to pass up.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Grichuk put a good swing on a slider while flying out to left field.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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