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 space is charming, and the entire team radiates warmth and kindness. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025

The first step in teaching kids to act like little humanitarians is to model kindness and compassion at home. —Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 31 Dec. 2025

Even toddlers can be urged to say something sincere and specific — about both the present and the donor’s kindness. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025

From her first public message in 1940, to her emotional final Christmas broadcast in 2021, Elizabeth uplifted her nation and the world with words of hope, kindness, and the occasional touch of humor. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025

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