goodness

[good-nis]

noun

1. the state or quality of being good.

   Antonyms: evil

2. moral excellence; virtue.

   Synonyms: probity, honesty, integrity

3. kindly feeling; kindness; generosity.

   Synonyms: humanity, benignity, benevolence

4. excellence of quality.

   goodness of workmanship.

   Synonyms: merit, value, worth

5. the best part of anything; essential property; strength.

6. a euphemism for God.

   Thank goodness!

interjection

1. Also goodness gracious (used in expressions of surprise, alarm, etc.).

   Goodness, you gave me a start!

   Goodness gracious, this article is so badly written!

goodness

/ ˈɡʊdnɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being good

2. generosity; kindness

3. moral excellence; piety; virtue

interjection

1. a euphemism for God

   goodness knows!

   thank goodness!

Other Word Forms

• supergoodness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of goodness¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English gōdnes; good, -ness

Idioms and Phrases

• for the sake of
• god (goodness) knows
• honest to god (goodness)
• my god (goodness

Synonym Study

Goodness, morality, virtue refer to qualities of character or conduct that entitle the possessor to approval and esteem. Goodness is the simple word for the general quality recognized in character or conduct: Many could tell of her goodness and kindness. Morality implies conformity to the recognized standards of right conduct: a citizen of the highest morality. Virtue is a rather formal word, and suggests usually goodness that is consciously or steadily maintained, often in spite of temptations or evil influences: of unassailable virtue; firm and of unwavering virtue.

Example Sentences

Yet it’s also obvious that they believe in Lee’s goodness.

From Salon

Of all of Redford’s achievements, the institute and the festival are the most wide-ranging and everlasting, two shining, defiant examples of how quickly goodness multiplies.

From Salon

“No one hires an illegal alien out of the goodness of their heart. They hire them because they can work them harder, pay them less, undercut the competition that hires U.S. citizen employees.”

From Los Angeles Times

I’d spend hours basking under the sun, popping one lychee after another into my mouth, indulging in their syrupy goodness.

From Salon

When we think of Lucy Bronze and Euro 2025, we think 'My goodness, she won a major tournament with a broken leg'.

From BBC

Related Words

• decency 
• friendliness www.thesaurus.com
• generosity 
• good will www.thesaurus.com
• grace 
• graciousness 
• honesty 
• integrity 
• kindness 
• mercy 
• morality 
• righteousness 
• rightness 
• superiority 
• virtue