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

The hallmark symptom of mumps is swelling of one or both parotid glands, which can cause puffy cheeks and tenderness along the jaw. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026

News of the outfielder’s (alleged) positive PED test and his (pending) full-season suspension hit with all the tenderness of a two-buck tenderloin. —Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 4 Mar. 2026

My preference is to simmer a corned beef to tenderness with the steady heat of a low oven. —Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 4 Mar. 2026

Known for its thick, crunchy breading and perfectly moist interior, this tenderloin delivers a hearty bite without sacrificing tenderness. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tenderness

• slenderness