beneficent

adjective

be·​nef·​i·​cent bə-ˈne-fə-sənt 

1

: doing or producing good

a beneficent policy

especially : performing acts of kindness and charity

a beneficent leader

2

: beneficial

beneficent bacteria

beneficently adverb

Synonyms

• benevolent
• benignant
• compassionate
• good-hearted
• humane
• kind
• kindhearted
• kindly
• softhearted
• sympathetic
• tender
• tenderhearted
• warmhearted

Examples of beneficent in a Sentence

a humane and beneficent policy

a beneficent couple who are regular volunteers at a homeless shelter

Recent Examples on the Web

In the ’60s when things were so tense, and there was a friction between the law and young people, the Florida Highway Patrol put up a billboard of a patrolman looking very beneficent and non-confrontational and the copy was: ‘Florida Highway Patrol. —Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Aug. 2024

How long will the beneficent, big-tent-building Trump last? —Eric Cortellessa/butler, TIME, 19 July 2024

Extinction’s beneficent side puts us in an awkward, even discomforting position. —Leigh Phillips, The Atlantic, 9 July 2024

Have yourself a most joyous Fastnacht, and all hail the beneficent Mothman. —Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, 27 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from beneficence

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

beneficent

adjective

be·​nef·​i·​cent bə-ˈnef-ə-sənt 

: doing or producing good

especially : performing acts of kindness or charity

beneficently adverb