kindness

noun

kind·​ness ˈkīn(d)-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being kind

treating people with kindness and respect

2

: a kind deed : favor

They did me a great kindness.

3

archaic : affection

see also:

milk of human kindness

Synonyms of kindness

• tenderness
• generosity
• humaneness
• attentiveness
• warmth
• benevolence
• beneficence
• kindliness
• kindheartedness
• tenderheartedness

Examples of kindness in a Sentence

We thanked her for her many kindnesses.

You would be doing me a great kindness if you agreed to help.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lee, meanwhile, is magnificent in a role requiring similar kindness, only laced with loneliness and loss. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026

Amagda Pérez Amagda Pérez advocates for immigrants and farmworkers with kindness, respect and determination. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Their kindness and concern for her, their hospitality so lightly given, starts to reflect back on Elif. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Accountability does not require humiliation, and kindness does not require lowering standards. — Farida Abjani, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing kindness

• kill (someone) with kindness
• loving-kindness
• milk of human kindness
• out of the kindness of one's heart
• the milk of human kindness

Rhymes for kindness

• blindness
• unkindness

Kids Definition

kindness

noun

kind·​ness ˈkīn(d)-nəs 

1

: a kind deed : favor

returned his kindness

2

: the quality or state of being kind

treat others with kindness