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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word kind distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of kind are character, description, nature, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

Where would character be a reasonable alternative to kind?

The synonyms character and kind are sometimes interchangeable, but character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When could description be used to replace kind?

While the synonyms description and kind are close in meaning, description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When would nature be a good substitute for kind?

While in some cases nearly identical to kind, nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When can sort be used instead of kind?

The words sort and kind can be used in similar contexts, but sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

When is it sensible to use type instead of kind?

Although the words type and kind have much in common, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of kind
Adjective
Clips and videos shared across social media highlight Grandma Hattie’s kind words, a lavish birthday cake, and a special performance from Stevie Wonder. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 3 Oct. 2025 Ka-young trusts her grandmother implicitly, and her grandmother has always told her that humans are inherently kind beings. Kayti Burt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
The sherry needs to be manzanilla or fino, which is a difference in kind to the more oxidative types of sherry, like Amontillado, Oloroso, Palo Cortado, or the very sweet Pedro Ximénez. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2025 But not just any old peanuts—this pie is made with Virginia peanuts, the super-sized, extra flavorful kind. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kind
Adjective
  • Through the compassionate yet rigorous structures of restorative justice and the generosity of two people who might have spent their lives hating him, Dunne changed course.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
  • When dads model respect and emotional awareness at home, their kids—and their coworkers—benefit from stronger, more compassionate leadership.
    Alex Shoemaker, Parents, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This could be a raise, a thoughtful gift or simply learning how to value your own time more.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
  • By 1996, McLachlan had released several albums, with 1993’s thoughtful, moody Fumbling Towards Ecstasy marking a breakthrough.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As Sergio uncovers that the village’s devotion to Matteo is far from benevolent, his attempt to rescue the boy known as the Angel of Remis ignites the community’s vengeful nature.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Jesus and Belania shriek and thank Christian, who stands there looking like a benevolent fashion angel bestowing them with good luck.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The musician also shared his gratitude for Jeremy Strong, who portrays his attentive manager Jon Landau, as well as his onscreen parents.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Its healing spa, small beach club, and attentive service match the quality of the food.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The real brush fire in question took place in the spring (not the winter, as portrayed on the show), and fires of that sort were common.
    JR Radcliffe, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • These strategies – called selection sort and shaker sort – are typically studied in computer science.
    Celeste Kidd, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The table below breaks down the comparisons by category, in necessarily broad strokes.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The two categories are term and permanent life.
    Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, not everyone in the Reddit thread was sympathetic.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement As many of the best villains do, Ok-seon has a sympathetic backstory.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Here are today's top stories Forgiving, caring, compassionate.
    Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The group wants to safely move them into caring homes instead of a shelter that may have to euthanize them.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Kind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kind. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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