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

The whole group went to the Haiti-Morocco game this weekend, closing a loop of kindness that extended beyond Thompson’s original gesture. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 26 June 2026

Practice kindness, and goodness and faithfulness and gentleness and self-control. — Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Front desk staff say genuine kindness and respectful interaction are important when making any kind of requests. — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026

Thank you for the support, the kindness, and for reminding me that there are far more good people out there than not. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 25 June 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