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 of kindness

• 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

This can be a thankless job at times, and a simple thank you or act of kindness can mean everything to the men and women who give so much for our city. — Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 1 July 2026

After meeting Conner, I was struck not only by his vision for the brand, but also by his kindness. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 30 June 2026

What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. — Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026

Shows of extravagance like these have not been met with kindness in a world torn by war, inflation, soaring gas prices and political unrest. — Marc Malkin, Variety, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing kindness

• kill (someone) with kindness
• loving-kindness
• milk of human 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