1
as in friendship
kindly concern, interest, or support
was touched by the kindliness of his neighbors, who voluntarily took care of his dog while he was in the hospital
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in kindness
the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune
as a result of her kindliness, several poor families have the makings for a Thanksgiving feast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tenderness
sympathetic concern for the well-being of others
an elderly couple of modest means but infinite kindliness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kindliness
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindliness
Noun
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For now, Lynch and Valkyria are the two beloved babyfaces who can dominate the women’s tag team division and form a friendship.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
This is a reminder of how much work went on behind the scenes to make Nostra Aetate possible — and the extent to which friendships between Catholic and Jewish communities in America still matter today.—
Joshua Stanton,
New York Daily News,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
At the time of publication, the video of her efforts has been watched over 228,000 times, with users flocking to offer words of kindness in the comments section.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Becky’s independence, kindness, determination and beauty will live on through her forever.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
What truly holds marriages together is truth delivered with tenderness.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Charcuterie and cheese, potatoes and onions, meat and offal: These are the ingredients that animate Harris’s chalkboard menu, all old friends, treated with a grandmotherly mix of tenderness and brawn.—
Amiel Stanek,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
However, as costs continue to rise, ensuring the future of these festivals depends on the generosity of attendees.—
Pamela Maass,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Apr. 2025
-
The generosity of donors and volunteers filled him with gratitude.—
Amy Yurkanin,
ProPublica,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
And some had sympathy for what seemed like his intuitive habit, urging the creator and others in the comments to avoid judgement based on his past.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Shares of Advanced Micro Devices and Micron Technology fell 7% and 1%, respectively, in sympathy.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Hospitals are assessed based on factors like patient reviews, friendliness of staff, accreditation and even the quality of cafeteria food.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
-
The use of solar in data centers — which are notorious for their power and water consumption — points to a new side of the technology’s potential appeal: one centered on its relative cheapness rather than its friendliness to the environment.—
Saul Elbein,
The Hill,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes with compassion can be extremely helpful.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
18 Apr. 2025
-
While Mateo's future had once been uncertain, his viral story has shown the difference compassion can make.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Such cordiality was impossible this time, and Dirk Hauser — head of media for Bayern’s academy then and to this day — had to keep the two men apart, in different parts of the old stadium.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
The Athletic,
27 Dec. 2024
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Hold on to your butts, Samuel L. Jackson is coming after awards season cordiality.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
28 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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