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

see also:

milk of human kindness

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

Accountability does not require humiliation, and kindness does not require lowering standards. — Farida Abjani, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Now, his family and the local community are mourning the teen known for his extraordinary kindness. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026

Normandin and Parker remembered their daughter for her creativity, sense of humor and kindness. — Hannah Fingerhut, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

All Queen‘s Roger Taylor is saying on his latest solo album is to give peace a chance — and maybe kindness, too. — Gary Graff, Billboard, 18 Sep. 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