kindness
Americannoun
-
the state or quality of being kind.
kindness to animals.
- Synonyms:
- tenderness, compassion, sympathy, charity, generosity, humanity, benevolence, benignity
- Antonyms:
- malevolence
-
a kind act; favor.
his many kindnesses to me.
-
kind behavior.
I will never forget your kindness.
- Synonyms:
- tenderness, compassion, sympathy, charity, generosity, humanity, benevolence, benignity
- Antonyms:
- cruelty
-
friendly feeling; liking.
noun
-
the practice or quality of being kind
-
a kind, considerate, or helpful act
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of kindness
First recorded in 1250–1300, kindness is from the Middle English word kindenes. See kind 1, -ness
Explanation
If someone asks you to do them a kindness, they mean a nice, kind act, the kind that makes you think of puppies and daisies. The noun kindness can be used for a kind act or to describe someone's temperament. You might say of someone that her kindness is quite genuine, or on the other hand she fakes kindness to get what she wants.
Vocabulary lists containing kindness
#Gradwords: What Single Word Would You Give a College Grad?
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ness
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The team on this project was uniquely dedicated to doing things with as much kindness and thoughtful support of Sophia as possible.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026
"Every life deserves respect and kindness," read the cartoon that was displayed on a huge screen before the game.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
"Even in passing, Edward's kindness and compassion have given others the precious gift of life, creating a legacy that will endure for generations," his family said.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
Sir Keir also thanked Badenoch for her kindness following the death of his brother and after an arson attack on his family home.
From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026
Anna May’s kindness to Ma had mollified me, but I was still at a loss for what to say.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
When I look back over these past months I am overwhelmed by the kindnesses bestowed not only on me but on my wife and daughters.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2025
On Friday, Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen "remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year".
From BBC ● Apr. 26, 2024
He noted he is sometimes overcome by unexpected kindnesses.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 16, 2023
Every hour, a thousand kindnesses are being done by someone who does not vote as I do.
From New York Times ● Nov. 5, 2022
“He said, ‘Sister Federica, I wish to thank you for your many kindnesses during these last days.
From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
