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
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
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ness
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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.
If she made a mistake, they argue, it must have been because outsiders took advantage of her kindness.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026
For Moore, married to musician Taylor Goldsmith, kindness is “the most important thing” in her life, as is creating a legacy of kindness, she told Cohen.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
In past years, Catherine has addressed themes of forging connections, the healing power of nature and acts of kindness, as well as her work with children and families.
From Barron's • May 13, 2026
"And where unfairness and injustice threaten the fabric of our nation, we will turn that mission of kindness and tolerance into support for those who need it most."
From BBC • May 12, 2026
But her kindness shone in the little room as brightly as the gleaming white tiles and shiny faucets.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
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.
