Definition of benevolencenext
1
as in kindness
an act of kind assistance self-effacing as well as selfless, he refused all public acknowledgement of his many benevolences to the community

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 benevolence Nina Sikkersoq Kristoffersen, a Greenlandic activist in Copenhagen, feels that for too long Danes have expected Greenlanders to be grateful for their benevolence while minimizing the ways Denmark benefitted from the island’s natural resources. Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026 After April, then fame, then drilling down on your right path, then help, protection, benevolence. Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2026 Gabriel’s billionaire is, in his great benevolence, giving the help a few weeks off in Greece. Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025 Meanwhile, obituaries for women contained more language associated with benevolence and enjoying life’s pleasures. Kyle Fiore Law, The Conversation, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for benevolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benevolence
Noun
  • If the several buildings the report says Taxpayer 1 was delinquent on taxes included, say, a bar or ramshackle eyesores, that will look like something other than Stewart extending kindness to a stranger.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Harding defines kindness as an act of generosity expecting nothing in return.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Unfortunately for her, Steve’s more than ready for the attack, and what begins as a perfect friendship, devolves into an all-out feud.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Raising the stakes is the shadow of the king’s younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has been stripped of his royal title of Prince Andrew, exiled from public life and put under police investigation over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The sun is setting, and its slanting golden rays make the evening feel like a vast expanse of tenderness.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Daily life deserves tenderness, too.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The 24-hour drop-in center offers services, including charging stations, a kitchen and medical and laundry rooms.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
  • The incident May 1 involved a bulk carrier southwest of Al Mukalla, Yemen, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations service.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Our policies have been defined more by optimism and generosity than by selfishness and cynicism.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
  • Released regionally by Angel Studios, widely known for conservative and Christian content, the movie’s last moment is framed as partisan generosity.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Moreover, Southern plantation owners carried out a robust propaganda effort to extol the beneficence of their economic system.
    Gerry Lanosga, The Conversation, 17 Nov. 2025
  • Trump’s pardon beneficence has also shone on former House Republicans in Southern California, notably a pair who each once represented parts of the San Diego area.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sturm then gave Swayman the mercy pull, which frankly could have happened after the disastrous first.
    Stephen Conroy, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Leading only 3-0 after 3, the Owls brought up 16 batters to the plate and scored 11 runs, 8 with 2 outs, in the bottom fourth to activate the mercy rule.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Given that Copenhagen is highly rated for its kid friendliness, and the fact that the hotel is located in the center of town, it’s bound to attract families with young children.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • But many in Europe are concerned about his potential friendliness with the Kremlin.
    Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Benevolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benevolence. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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