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

• character
• decency
• honesty
• integrity
• morality
• probity
• rectitude
• righteousness
• rightness
• uprightness
• virtue
• virtuousness

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

In 2022 alone, the state shipped nearly $24 billion of nuts, rice, tomatoes and other tasty goodness around the world. —Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025

Jones was a tremendous raconteur and an even better writer—his words, my goodness. —ArsTechnica, 11 Apr. 2025

One fan-favorite candy that epitomizes the sweet-and-salty movement is the peanut-butter-chocolate goodness of Reese’s—the number one candy brand in the country. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025

Plus, the bang-to-buck ratio is unmatched—each box contains 30 masks worth of moisturizing goodness. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 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