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

• 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

His 90 years are saturated with kindness, love and compassion… driven by a fearless, diamond-like wisdom that engages a deeply divided world. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 30 July 2025

Cole has known Hussein for about six years and has seen how Hussein's kindness, character and compassion has inspired countless people at the school. —Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

So grateful today for all of the incredible people that surround your life… all of the people who show up with love, laughter, kindness, joy, and encouragement. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 29 July 2025

And so Oscar, in a shocking display of kindness, bails her out with a one-way ticket out of town. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing kindness

• kill (someone) with kindness
• loving-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