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

Words cannot express how good my skin looked, oh my goodness. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025

Thank goodness the fight is at night or one of them might be put off by a glint of sunlight like receiver CeeDee Lamb. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2025

Iowa at Michigan State was a prime-time game on NBC in October, for goodness sake. —Ralph D. Russo, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025

And thank goodness, because again, this was the shock value of this and the surprise fear factor was the hardest part to get through. —Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 8 Jan. 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