kindliness

noun

kind·​li·​ness ˈkīn(d)-lē-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being kindly

2

: a kindly deed

Synonyms

• amity
• benevolence
• brotherhood
• charity
• cordiality
• cordialness
• fellowship
• friendliness
• friendship
• gemütlichkeit
• good-fellowship
• goodwill
• neighborliness

Examples of kindliness in a Sentence

was touched by the kindliness of his neighbors, who voluntarily took care of his dog while he was in the hospital

as a result of her kindliness, several poor families have the makings for a Thanksgiving feast

Recent Examples on the Web

What was needed was a distanced kindliness—patience, an acknowledgment of the mess that was unfolding, an explanation of a way through, a reiteration of the soundness of the larger vision. —Peggy Noonan, WSJ, 19 Aug. 2021

Augustus didn’t emerge from uncertain beginnings and civil war through kindliness and good deeds; nor did Jahangir win the throne by patience and piety. —Maxwell Carter, WSJ, 13 July 2018

Weinberg’s memoir doesn’t aspire to the depth of Feeney’s study, but its fealty and kindliness have their own appeal. —Thomas Mallon, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2018

Grandpa is hung-over, grandma has run out of kindliness, Mom has post-traumatic hostess stress. —Wired Staff, WIRED, 26 Dec. 2003

Mr. McCartney was the exception, radiating aw-shucks kindliness and preaching heartfelt peace and love in many of his songs. —Jon Pareles, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1