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

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

Your intuitive kindness attracts cooperation, while clear boundaries keep the exchange respectful. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026

Kirk’s family released a statement ahead of the start of Monday’s hearing thanking supporters for their kindness in the wake of the 31-year-old activist’s killing. — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 9 July 2026

Thorpe’s characters are so specific, their balance of prickliness and kindness and quirk so delicate, that one wrong casting choice could ruin the whole viewing experience. — Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026

Early hints that Will was an abusive husband appear to have a precedent in the snarling disposition of his father Edgar (Erroll Shand), whose kindness mostly is reserved for his dog. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 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