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

The film is supernatural body horror goodness from debut filmmaker Michael Shanks. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2025

Thank you all for showing us the goodness in your hearts. —Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025

Undaunted, thank goodness, Stupak opened the Otter, on Thompson Street, late last year inside the new Manner hotel, in SoHo. —Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025

Tilda Swinton: The Academy Award-winning actress discussed her lifelong quest for connection, humanity’s innate goodness and the point of being alive. —David Marchese, New York Times, 18 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