Meaning & use

benevolent

adjective·Advanced

Showing kindness and a desire to help others.

See it in a sentence

A benevolent neighbor quietly paid for the damaged fence.

The story describes a benevolent ruler who listens to the villagers.

A note on using this word

Benevolent usually describes intentions, attitudes, people, or organizations; benevolence is the related noun.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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