goodness

noun

good·​ness ˈgu̇d-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being good

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

Synonyms

• 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

Two buttery and crunchy layers hold in all the goodness of the jammy blueberry and lemon duo. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025

Someone who believed in the innate goodness of people who posted comments on the internet. —Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2025

Less obvious answer: SpaceX gains leverage SpaceX is also not doing this entirely out of the goodness of its heart. —Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025

That means that adding only half or even a quarter of an avocado to a salad, soup, sandwich, or yogurt bowl will instantly increase the fiber count by a couple grams or more—plus boost the creamy goodness too. —Audrey Bruno, SELF, 4 Aug. 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
• honest-to-goodness
• My goodness
• out of the goodness of one's heart
• thank God/goodness/heaven(s)/the Lord