KIND Synonyms: 197 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'kind' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of kind are character , description , nature , sort , and type . While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," kind may suggest natural grouping. // a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

Q: Where would 'character' be a reasonable alternative to 'kind'?

The synonyms character and kind are sometimes interchangeable, but character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type. // research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

Q: When could 'description' be used to replace 'kind'?

While the synonyms description and kind are close in meaning, description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined. // not all acts of that description are actually illegal

Q: When would 'nature' be a good substitute for 'kind'?

While in some cases nearly identical to kind , nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses. // two problems of a similar nature

Q: When can 'sort' be used instead of 'kind'?

The words sort and kind can be used in similar contexts, but sort often suggests some disparagement. // the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

Q: When is it sensible to use 'type' instead of 'kind'?

Although the words type and kind have much in common, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group. // one of three basic body types

kind 1 of 2

noun

ˈkīnd

Definition of kind next

as in type

a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common I like that kind of candy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in category

one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic we looked at just about every kind of flooring before deciding which to use in the kitchen

Synonyms & Similar Words

kind

2 of 2

adjective

as in thoughtful

given to or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and happiness of others providing the grieving widow with a homemade meal was a kind deed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in compassionate

having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others a kind person who regularly volunteers at the homeless shelter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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For

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kind people

generous people

friendly people

thoughtful people

warmhearted people

helpful people

kind words

pleasant words

sweet words

gentle words

nice words

warmhearted words

kind intentions

nice intentions

wholesome intentions

great intentions

decent intentions

pure intentions

a kind way

a generous way

a thoughtful way

a tender way

a gentle way

a sweet way

kind thoughts

good thoughts

positive thoughts

compassionate thoughts

gentle thoughts

pleasant thoughts

Synonym Chooser

How is the word kind distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of kind are character, description, nature, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

Where would character be a reasonable alternative to kind?

The synonyms character and kind are sometimes interchangeable, but character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When could description be used to replace kind?

While the synonyms description and kind are close in meaning, description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When would nature be a good substitute for kind?

While in some cases nearly identical to kind, nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When can sort be used instead of kind?

The words sort and kind can be used in similar contexts, but sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

When is it sensible to use type instead of kind?

Although the words type and kind have much in common, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of kind

Noun

John Diefenbaker, who was Prime Minister in the fifties and sixties, was of the same largely western Canada kind that emphasizes a suspicion of the Ottawa élite and their Toronto (and Montreal) paymasters. —

Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025 Sabathia had substance concerns of a different kind, stepping away from the Yankees before the 2015 playoffs to enter an alcohol rehabilitation facility. —

Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Jeannot Szwarc was not just a brilliant director but a kind and generous soul. —

Lauren Huff, EW.com, 18 Jan. 2025 By all accounts, Gemma was a kind, beautiful soul whose life seemed to be cut short by a tragic car accident approximately two years ago. —

Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for kind

Recent Examples of Synonyms for kind

Adjective

Employers consistently emphasize the value of hiring individuals with a broad knowledge base who can collaborate to solve problems, engage in thoughtful debate, communicate clearly, and think critically—skills that liberal-arts programs rigorously cultivate.

— Sarah Hernholm, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
And having more thoughtful conversations doesn’t preclude the need sometimes to confront those who are needlessly cruel or organizations that benefit from such exploitation.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2025