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

All of us are invited to choose to become better human beings and to show up at work and in the world with increasing love, kindness, courage and forgiveness. — Mikhail Shneyder, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

That instinct to lean into life with curiosity, optimism, and kindness is, perhaps, America's greatest attraction. — Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 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

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

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