Dictionary.com

Popular Searches

 Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

kindness

American  
[kahynd-nis] / ˈkaɪnd nɪs /

noun

  1. the state or quality of being kind.

    kindness to animals.
    Synonyms:
    tenderness , compassion , sympathy , charity , generosity , humanity , benevolence , benignity
    Antonyms:
    malevolence

  2. a kind act; favor.

    his many kindnesses to me.

  3. kind behavior.

    I will never forget your kindness.
    Synonyms:
    tenderness , compassion , sympathy , charity , generosity , humanity , benevolence , benignity
    Antonyms:
    cruelty

  4. friendly feeling; liking.

kindness British  
/ ˈkaɪndnɪs /

noun

  1. the practice or quality of being kind

  2. a kind, considerate, or helpful act

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
kindness Idioms  

  1. see kill with kindness; milk of human kindness.

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.

The circulation of treasured possessions and an extraordinary sense of kindness can change lives.

From Los Angeles Times

"He'll be remembered for his kindness, his caring nature, his wit, but more importantly, and more than anything, his infectious smile, it would light up a room," they said.

From BBC

Still, others have praised the secretary's core message of respect and kindness, with one commenting: "I will do my small part to spread civility in my own life."

From BBC

"Years filled with tears and laughter, kindness, and a love that shaped our family more than words could ever capture," he added in the message, shared on his Virgin Group's website.

From Barron's

“With airports expected to be busy, we ask all passengers to allow for extra travel time, pack their patience, and carry-on kindness this holiday season.”

From Barron's

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.