goodness

noun

good·​ness ˈgu̇d-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being good

There's goodness in everyone.

They agreed to help out of the goodness of their hearts. [=because they are good and kind people]

2

—used interjectionally or in phrases especially to express mild surprise or shock

oh, my goodness!

goodness knows

3

: the nutritious, flavorful, or beneficial part of something

the goodness of the vegetables

Synonyms of goodness

• integrity
• morality
• virtue
• honesty

Examples of goodness in a Sentence

Even if you don't agree, at least have the goodness to be polite!

a person of such unaffected goodness that his friends were inspired to lead better lives

Recent Examples on the Web

Catullus’s work shows us ourselves, in all our three-dimensional goodness and terribleness, and sometimes this vision, in 2025, comes as a fun vindication. —Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025

Made for chocolate lovers, both the batter and frosting for these drop cookies feature plenty of chocolaty goodness. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025

Thank goodness for wealthy people and their big houses. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 7 Dec. 2025

Graf said his steps carry the message that there's still a glimmer of goodness in America. —Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing goodness

• for goodness' sake
• goodness knows
• goodness of fit
• goodness of their hearts
• honest-to-goodness
• My goodness
• out of the goodness of one's heart
• thank God/goodness/heaven(s)/the Lord