1
as in kind
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others
brought homemade chicken soup out of kindly concern for my health
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpful
promoting or contributing to personal or social well-being
a vegetarian diet can be very kindly to a person hoping to lose a few pounds
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in nicely
with good reason or courtesy
would you kindly hand me the scissors?
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2
as in pretty
chiefly Southern
to some degree or extent
their visit was kindly a surprise
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kindly
Andrew Moravcsik, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
Fans willing to overlook the obvious vapidity of director Rob Reiner, a hostile Democrat-progressive zealot, prove that some conservatives are bamboozled by liberalism’s kindly pretense.
—Armond White, National Review, 21 Feb. 2024
Channon Hodge, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
Offering an advantage Although there are plenty of adorable videos of dogs and cats behaving kindly with each other or their human companions, historically compassion has differentiated humans from animals.
—Tara Sonenshine, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kindly
Adjective
But portraying Metternich as a victim of trauma, a thoughtful strategist, a harbinger of modern European federalism, and a kindly and moderate man in private doesn’t excuse the cruelty and intolerance of his politics.
—Andrew Moravcsik, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
Fans willing to overlook the obvious vapidity of director Rob Reiner, a hostile Democrat-progressive zealot, prove that some conservatives are bamboozled by liberalism’s kindly pretense.
—Armond White, National Review, 21 Feb. 2024
Adverb
McNally said these accolades can sometimes feel too generic and that can then feel disingenuous, even when they’re kindly meant.
—Channon Hodge, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
Offering an advantage Although there are plenty of adorable videos of dogs and cats behaving kindly with each other or their human companions, historically compassion has differentiated humans from animals.
—Tara Sonenshine, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kindly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindly
Adjective
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Be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned.—
Nicole Lipkin,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
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Contest organizers were once again kind enough to share with us a selection of this year’s honorees, with captions written by the photographers.—
Alan Taylor,
The Atlantic,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Throughout the book, readers will find helpful how-tos and practical advice on planning a gardening site, composting for beginners, organic pest control, must-have tools, and more.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
7 Mar. 2025
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But Buck ultimately proved less than helpful, sabotaging every showing with off-handed comments about the apartment’s squishy floor and small kitchen.—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
7 Mar. 2025
Adverb
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The ending of the series is pretty complicated and definitely leaves room for interpretation.—
Ally Neagen,
Glamour,
27 Feb. 2025
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Look, this is pretty basic: When Duncan Robinson hits shots, the Heat are a better team.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Similarly, Thomas Insel, the former director of the National Institute of Mental Health, has emphasized the need for a system that prioritizes both effective treatment and compassionate care.—
Alan M. Langlieb,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Mar. 2025
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During Trump's first term, Johnson successfully advocated for dozens of commutations, pardons, and compassionate releases.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Such an agreement might also include other provisions aimed at removing regulatory barriers that often impose huge impediments to mutually beneficial transactions.—
Alden Abbott,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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Getting more of those balls into the air would be beneficial.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
2 Mar. 2025
Adverb
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Raised by a single mother and mentored by his entrepreneurial uncle, his passion for business was ignited quite early in his life.—
Kody Boye,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2025
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While millions of adults celebrate St. Patrick's Day with feasts, parades, songs, and dance—no one celebrates the holiday quite like children.—
Nicole Harris,
Parents,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Secret Societies and the Fight for Black Freedom Dating to the pre-Revolutionary era, mutual aid and benevolent societies supported Black Americans and the fight for civil rights and justice.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
20 Feb. 2025
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Steves, with his impeccable recommendations, sensible budgeting options, and gently corny prose style, has served as the benevolent fairy godfather on more than one trip for me.—
Constance Grady,
Vox,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Cut to Trachtenberg’s Jenny in a luxurious spa bubble bath, making the most of a preposterously favorable exchange rate.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
TIME,
26 Feb. 2025
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This spike is partly fueled by favorable exchange rates, although the popularity of country may be pushing overall spring break prices higher, with the average insured trip to Japan now costing nearly $10,000.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kindly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindly. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
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