goodness

noun

good·​ness ˈgu̇d-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being good

There's goodness in everyone.

They agreed to help out of the goodness of their hearts. [=because they are good and kind people]

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

the goodness of the vegetables

Synonyms of goodness

• integrity
• morality
• virtue
• honesty

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

His bad-boy swagger externally obfuscates his heart of gold, but his goodness and morality are apparent. —Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026

Even more goodness to check out! —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Authentic Voice for Brands Signaling goodness can only go so far, and that’s likely not very far at all. —Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

At its core, the Motorola Razr is designed to be a fun, unserious phone; it's got a Seafoam Green finish for goodness' sake. —Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 28 May 2026

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