kindness
Americannoun
-
kindnesses
plural
-
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
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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.
See Examples For:
The Office actress Lucy Davis has thanked fans for their "kindness and support" after revealing she has incurable breast cancer.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
Everybody on set was very forthcoming with kindness and always very open.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
Enter Ted Lasso, Jason Sudeikis’ folksy Missourian loaded with cornpone wisdom, positivity and kindness.
From Salon ● Aug. 7, 2026
When they anonymously denounce their alleged friends, it is in the service of a higher kindness.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
Clare opened his mouth like a hungry bird, grateful for the kindness of the passing stranger.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
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
They pointed to a July 18 text in which Doe encouraged Ritter, and another exchange where Ritter thanked Doe for one of her many kindnesses.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 22, 2024
He noted he is sometimes overcome by unexpected kindnesses.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 16, 2023
When he had finished the first hot dog, Ignatius prepared and consumed another, contemplating other kindnesses that might postpone his having to go to work again.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
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.
