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

And, more importantly, the first honest-to-goodness college football game of the season arrives in just 45 days. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 15 July 2026

Banana Bread Cereal Treats bind the two desserts with buttery, marshmallow goodness. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 July 2026

All this sonic goodness comes from discreet open-ear speakers built right into your frames. — Stephanie Barnes, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026

This law opens our eyes to divine Science, the truth of God’s infinite goodness, the reality of which outlaws all that isn’t good. — Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 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