Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

kindness

American  
[kahynd-nis] / ˈkaɪnd nɪs /

noun

  1. the state or quality of being kind.

    kindness to animals.

    Synonyms:
    tenderness, compassion, sympathy, charity, generosity, humanity, benevolence, benignity
    Antonyms:
    malevolence
  2. a kind act; favor.

    his many kindnesses to me.

  3. kind behavior.

    I will never forget your kindness.

    Synonyms:
    tenderness, compassion, sympathy, charity, generosity, humanity, benevolence, benignity
    Antonyms:
    cruelty
  4. friendly feeling; liking.


kindness British  
/ ˈkaɪndnɪs /

noun

  1. the practice or quality of being kind

  2. a kind, considerate, or helpful act

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

kindness Idioms  

Other Word Forms

  • self-kindness noun

Etymology

Origin of kindness

First recorded in 1250–1300, kindness is from the Middle English word kindenes. See kind 1, -ness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Add the National Football League’s new chief kindness officer.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a charity fundraiser started in his memory, Zeeshan was described as being known for his "kindness, generosity, and laughter touched everyone who knew him".

From BBC

And though he had no prior dancing experience, he won over the show’s fan base with his kindness and dedication, making it to the competition’s ninth week.

From Los Angeles Times

From the announcement in December through my installation on Feb. 6 and every day since, I have experienced remarkable kindness.

From The Wall Street Journal

When an intern tells a patient that he believes kindness is the best medicine, J.D. tersely interrupts his blue-sky meliorism with a cold splash of reality.

From Salon