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

Symptoms can include a lump in the armpit, dimpled skin on the chest, red or flaky skin near the nipple, pain or tenderness on the chest or armpit, clear or bloody nipple discharge and an inverted nipple, per the Cleveland Clinic. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

That versatility comes down to its marbling and connective tissue, which break down during slow, moist cooking, adding richness and tenderness. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026

Watch for other signs of pregnancy like breast tenderness, weight gain, and nausea. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 14 July 2026

Yes, the menu includes Attilio Marini’s famous steak cooked in a cast iron skillet for crispiness on the outside and tenderness inside. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tenderness

• slenderness