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
- self-kindness noun
Etymology
Origin of kindness
First recorded in 1250–1300, kindness is from the Middle English word kindenes. See kind 1, -ness
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.
Are we still deserving of kindness when someone knows our darkest, most cruel impulses?
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
Using the budget of a one-way airfare, teams travel thousands of miles, working local jobs and relying on the kindness of strangers to reach checkpoints and ultimately win a cash prize.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
“Over these last few years, every day that’s gone by, I felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love,” Dion said.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026
His love and kindness flows over its smooth surface into my fingers.
From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera
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.
