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

Meek’s best writing often isolates intimate moments with tenderness and relatability. —Dean Van Nguyen, Pitchfork, 27 Feb. 2026

Settle into yourself, shine your benevolent light, hold yourself with tenderness. —Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026

Lead with tenderness, and depth responds with steady strength. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026

Each bite delivers juicy tenderness, complemented by the crisp snap of thick-cut bacon and the creamy richness of a buttermilk ranch developed exclusively for the chain. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tenderness

• slenderness