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

Regardless of travel purpose or appearance, kindness and patience matter most in how passengers are treated. —Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026

Likewise, romantic partners have to show respect and kindness to each other as well, or things will go to hell in a hand basket. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 May 2026

By chance—or, more accurately, as the result of an act of kindness and compassion—Marie-Lou meets an elderly actor, Gorô (Kyozo Nagatsuka), his teenage grandson Tomoki (Kodai Kurosaki), who is severely autistic, and an experimental-theater director named Mari (Tao Okamoto). —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 15 May 2026

The world could certainly use his warmth, kindness, grace, and wonderful sense of humor today. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 14 May 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