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

Her unsung hero's action created a chain of kindness. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 Nov. 2025

Learn how pro-social leadership influences a company’s performance and profitability and if kindness in leadership pays off. —Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2025

Everyone associated with the show — from my fellow cast members to the pros, crew and production team — has treated me with nothing but kindness, support and respect. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025

Can the bewitching kindness be disassociated from the defining unkindness at the heart of Southern history, visible in the portraits of Confederates in the lobby of the Lafayette Hotel? —Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 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