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

The good news is that while the promotions might end, the restaurants will still be there, serving up lots of goodness. — Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2026

That stood in drastic contrast to the start-to-finish musical goodness of Day 1, where the highlights — from Wet Leg and Geese to Clipse and headliner Charli xcx — were more evenly spread out. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026

From the sights and sounds to the Easter eggs, the first episode packs in all kinds of Kansas City goodness. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026

The butter browns into pools of toasty goodness, adding even more umami to the fish. — Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026

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