beneficence

noun

bə-ˈne-fə-sən(t)s How to pronounce beneficence (audio)
Definition of beneficencenext
1
as in contribution
a gift of money or its equivalent to a charity, humanitarian cause, or public institution the town library stays open primarily through beneficences from concerned residents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in kindness
sympathetic concern for the well-being of others a religious leader whose beneficence is felt by all who meet him

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 beneficence 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 Worse, five sisters have tried to save its life, defying both the mysterious beneficence that brought the fish to shore and local norms dictating that it must be killed for food. — Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 2025 Paula Keeler, 74, took a break from her recent shift inspecting produce to discuss the organization’s beneficence. — Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for beneficence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beneficence
  1. contribution
  2. kindness
  3. donation
  4. tenderness
Noun
  • He was voted unanimously for all of his amazing contributions.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Unlike a home price drop or a closing cost contribution, which is a permanent discount, your rate will jump up when the temporary buydown period ends.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of contribution
Noun
  • Patience and kindness can go a long way, Henderson says, and Seshadri reminds everyone to extend that respect to the airport staff and your fellow passengers.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Be patient when a grocery store cashier with disabilities rings up your items — kindness can go a long way.
    — John Gill, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • At every stop, Talarico has argued that, for too long, the wealthy and their donations have corrupted politics, and that this corruption has fueled the affordability crisis.
    — STEVEN SLOAN, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
  • What comes next Executives with the South Florida Donor Network say the nonprofit is planning to heavily invest in outreach efforts in the coming months to advocate for the importance of organ donation.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of donation
Noun
  • That roller coaster of flavor and tenderness comes from dry-aging the steaks for 30 to 40 days in rum, and a marinade that involves both jerk spice and Onwuachi’s mother’s Creole green seasoning, a paste of herbs, aromatics and peppers.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • There is stillness, a tenderness, a respect for women and a depth of feeling that is unmistakably his.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of tenderness

Browse Nearby Words

benefic
beneficence
beneficences
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Cite this Entry

“Beneficence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beneficence. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beneficence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about beneficence

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