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

The fable also highlights the concept of reciprocity, in which acts of kindness and respect toward others can lead to positive outcomes and opportunities for collaboration and mutual support. — Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

When asked by a Starmus VIII attendee whether people needed to undergo something extraordinary to develop a greater sense of kindness toward others, his answer was no. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Beyond the standard message of affordability, every winning candidate ran on a platform of kindness and unity, messages voters embraced. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

In 2015, hitchBOT, a robot built for a social experiment on the kindness of strangers, was found decapitated at the top of Old City’s Elfreth’s Alley. — Jennifer Byrne, Popular Science, 4 Nov. 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