kindness

noun

kind·​ness ˈkīn(d)-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being kind

treating people with kindness and respect

2

: a kind deed : favor

They did me a great kindness.

3

archaic : affection

Synonyms

• tenderness
• generosity
• humaneness
• attentiveness
• warmth
• benevolence
• beneficence
• kindliness
• kindheartedness
• tenderheartedness

Examples of kindness in a Sentence

We thanked her for her many kindnesses.

You would be doing me a great kindness if you agreed to help.

Recent Examples on the Web

Politeness and kindness are attributes that parents want to reinforce and encourage in their children. —Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025

Lunches, meetings, phone calls, always Mark’s delicious southern drawl infusing us with his spirit and kindness. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 7 July 2025

Jesse learned early about abuse and kindness on school grounds. —Richard J. Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2025

And unlike the societal tone that often depicts billionaires as greedy, Bridgeman lived his life as an antithesis to this, showing up in kindness which was fed by his faith. —Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing kindness

• kill (someone) with kindness
• loving-kindness
• out of the kindness of one's heart
• the milk of human kindness

Rhymes for kindness

• blindness
• unkindness

Kids Definition

kindness

noun

kind·​ness ˈkīn(d)-nəs 

1

: a kind deed : favor

returned his kindness

2

: the quality or state of being kind

treat others with kindness