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

But Kwei, in the first display of mercy or kindness that Dek has ever seen, refuses to slay his own brother. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2025

Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025

The new season of Sesame Street focuses on helping young kids build emotional skills like kindness, cooperation, and listening. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 3 Nov. 2025

Nathan Hawkins, Liberty Creek High School Liberty Creek High School Counselor Amber Falise nominated senior Nathan Hawkins for his academic rigor, humility and kindness. —Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 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