goodness

noun

good·​ness ˈgu̇d-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being good

2

—used interjectionally or in phrases especially to express mild surprise or shock

oh, my goodness!

goodness knows

3

: the nutritious, flavorful, or beneficial part of something

Synonyms

• character
• decency
• honesty
• integrity
• morality
• probity
• rectitude
• righteousness
• rightness
• uprightness
• virtue
• virtuousness

Examples of goodness in a Sentence

Even if you don't agree, at least have the goodness to be polite!

a person of such unaffected goodness that his friends were inspired to lead better lives

Recent Examples on the Web

Who wants a Pub Sub? Residents of northern Kentucky can finally enjoy the goodness that is Publix, thanks to the beloved Southern grocer opening their first store in Walton. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 Mar. 2025

But my goodness the Cubs are epic and this stadium is a work of art. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and panthenol, plus occlusives like petrolatum and lanolin that seal all the goodness in, Dr. Spizuoco says. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 18 Mar. 2025

And for goodness sake, please don’t just sit there in a stadium either. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing goodness

• for goodness' sake
• goodness knows
• goodness of fit
• honest-to-goodness
• My goodness
• out of the goodness of one's heart
• thank God/goodness/heaven(s)/the Lord