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

Shamrock Shake returns at McDonald's Costco isn't the only one offering minty goodness this season. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026

Your weeknights just got jam-packed with one-bowl goodness. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026

Offered in different flavors, the Strawberry Granola Bites feature a burst of fruity goodness, while the Chocolate Chip Granola Bites combine bits of sweetness with a wholesome mix of oats. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 20 Feb. 2026

Full of energy and pop goodness, the single feels reminiscent of one of SM Entertainment’s most popular girl groups, Girls’ Generation. —Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 20 Feb. 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
• goodness of their hearts
• honest-to-goodness
• My goodness
• out of the goodness of one's heart
• thank God/goodness/heaven(s)/the Lord