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 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 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 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
  • Clancy was an attentive mother and a compassionate nurse, said Margaret Hamp, a nurse who worked with the defendant.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • His friends in Hawaii remember him as thoughtful, kind, and compassionate.
    — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • The goal is to show that philanthropy belongs to them, too — not just the historically wealthier and predominantly white charitable institutions that tend to dominate narratives about philanthropy.
    — James Pollard, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Make sure estate documents and beneficiary designations reflect your wishes, including charitable giving.
    — Angie O’Leary, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of charitable
Adjective
  • At a panel discussion in June at the Huntington Theatre in Boston, Marnik explained that her own change of heart about vaccination occurred only after many talks with kind, attentive friends and professors over four years of college.
    — Felice J. Freyer, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Supporters of the legislation will argue that their intentions were benevolent and kind.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 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
  • In 1989, the death of Hu Yaobang, the former party general secretary, widely seen as sympathetic to political reform, prompted pro-democracy demonstrations that culminated in a bloody crackdown on Tiananmen Square.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 18 Aug. 2026
  • At the entrance, a security guard handed me a roll of paper towels with a sympathetic look.
    — Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of sympathetic
Adjective
  • Groups like Poy’s that rely on foreign aid are struggling as donors shift funding for humanitarian demining toward active conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, and to more recent wars, like in Syria and Afghanistan.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The effects of a long-term naval blockade will have humanitarian consequences in Iran.
    — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 18 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
  • Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection investigated Ridglan between 2024 and 2025 and identified 494 violations, with several pertaining to dogs being handled in a practicable and humane manner.
    — Adam Yamaguchi, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of humane
Adjective
  • Max’s arrival is particularly propitious because Max is still sore from Nathan’s betrayal, so if Max can get on Joe’s good side by respecting his authority, Joe can reward him with the lead position.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The offense has all the pieces to be one of the league’s best.
    — Jon Machota, New York Times, 18 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of benevolent for Spanish Speakers

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