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

Thank goodness the gang of anthropomorphic animals are back. —Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 27 Nov. 2025

Much has changed in America over the past four centuries since that first gathering, but the goodness of God and the goodness of agriculture remain the same. —MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

Rich in oat goodness and totally fragrance-free, this lotion is a gentle hug for sensitive or dry skin. —Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 25 Nov. 2025

Blue Bell Ice Cream’s ultimate holiday flavor is back, and it’s loaded with all the chocolate and peppermint goodness of favorite Christmas treats. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 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
• goodness of their hearts
• honest-to-goodness
• My goodness
• out of the goodness of one's heart
• thank God/goodness/heaven(s)/the Lord