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
She said she is "grateful for the kindness" shown by the volunteers at the hub.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 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
The mood eases when the child encounters only kindness on the Kinsella farm.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 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.
