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

Neroli, cocoa shell and tonka bean complete it, giving it all the gourmand goodness. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

There’s also a basic bean and cheese burrito for $5.99, and a house burrito filled with goodness for $11.99 (add $2.99 for skirt steak). —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2025

Start basking in the breezy goodness ahead of schedule with maxi, midi, and mini dresses. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025

No, thank goodness, though the plot clearly has roots in the Satanic panic of the '80s and '90s, when the U.S. media proliferated unsubstantiated reports of Satanic rituals and abuse. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 Feb. 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