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

Overall, service and staff interactions nailed the sweet spot of professionalism and kindness, without being either too stiff or overfamiliar. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Leaders who practice real kindness create psychological safety, and safe teams ask the question, admit the uncertainty and speak up while a small problem is still small. — Paula Ferrada, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Each bag has a ripple effect — helping a child focus at school, giving a parent breathing room to rebuild and often sowing inspiration for recipients to pay kindness forward. — Christine Franz, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2026

Rather, each person was placed here to influence the world for good and make it into a place where goodness, kindness and godliness are abundant. — Meir Moscowitz, Chicago Tribune, 7 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