tenderness

noun

ten·​der·​ness ˈten-dər-nəs 

: a tender quality or condition: such as

a

: gentleness and affection

His voice quavered with tenderness.

—Joyce Carol Oates

b

: the quality of being succulent and easily chewed

How you carve the meat enhances the tenderness and juiciness of each portion.

—Kemp Minifie

c

: sensitivity to touch or palpation

They found a small increased risk of reactions such as redness, swelling, and/or tenderness at the injection site …

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

Synonyms of tenderness

• kindness

Examples of tenderness in a Sentence

volunteers at the shelter tended to all the animals in their care with great tenderness

Recent Examples on the Web

One is by Clare Harner and the other is by Henry Scott Holland, and both approach death with tenderness, but also with a commanding tone fitting the imperious Ann. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026

But while her previous pictures never shied away from tenderness despite their outré scenarios, her latest is a far more melancholy affair. —Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

The biscuits, flecked with frilly sprigs of dill, are pulled together with sour cream, giving them tenderness and a mild tang. —Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026

The gesture of tenderness speaks volumes. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tenderness

• slenderness