kindliness

noun

ˈkīn(d)-lē-nəs How to pronounce kindliness (audio)
Definition of kindlinessnext
1
as in friendship
kindly concern, interest, or support was touched by the kindliness of his neighbors, who voluntarily took care of his dog while he was in the hospital

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2
as in kindness
the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune as a result of her kindliness, several poor families have the makings for a Thanksgiving feast

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tenderness
sympathetic concern for the well-being of others an elderly couple of modest means but infinite kindliness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 kindliness Internet wags have wondered whether Gunn’s kindliness extends to malevolent immigrants like General Zod. — Armond White, National Review, 18 July 2025 What was needed was a distanced kindliness—patience, an acknowledgment of the mess that was unfolding, an explanation of a way through, a reiteration of the soundness of the larger vision. — Peggy Noonan, WSJ, 19 Aug. 2021 Weinberg’s memoir doesn’t aspire to the depth of Feeney’s study, but its fealty and kindliness have their own appeal. — Thomas Mallon, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindliness
  1. friendship
  2. kindness
  3. tenderness
  4. generosity
  5. sympathy
  6. friendliness
  7. compassion
  8. cordiality
Noun
  • Over time, visits evolved into lasting friendships with chefs, sommeliers and restaurateurs who would later play an unexpected role in his wine journey.
    — Yuri Shima, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Detectives received an early tip that Velasquez’s husband may have been jealous of the women’s close friendship, but the couple did not respond to requests to speak with investigators at the time, and the motive remains unclear, police said.
    — Star-Telegram staff. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026
Definition of friendship
Noun
  • Life would not be the same without you, your vision, your kindness, your compassion, your love, your sexiness, your intelligence, your warmth, your friendship, your wisdom.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • Post Malone and comedian Michelle Buteau appear as members of the community who help demonstrate how even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference during recovery.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 30 July 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • For all the movie’s self-awareness, it’s filled with tenderness and humor.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
  • There’s also hints of vulnerability and genuine tenderness in her stern headmistress of the bedroom, which Wilde slips in just slyly enough to let the presence of a heart peek through all the brainy brashness and hormone overload.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026
Definition of tenderness
Noun
  • Guelaguetza — also known as Los Lunes del Cerro, or Mondays on the Hill — is a centuries-old celebration rooted in community, generosity and cooperation, where the people of Oaxaca come together through music, dance, food and craftsmanship.
    — Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026
  • The Gracious Visionary interweaves documentary and reenacted components to tell the story of how his mindset was shaped by learning philosophy, playing cards and the generosity of others.
    — Nick Vivarelli for Variety, Robb Report, 20 July 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • Trump has pardoned virtually all Capitol rioters and frequently expresses sympathy for them.
    — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 31 July 2026
  • Before the recording was played, Judge William Sullivan warned jurors not to allow sympathy, anger, passion or pity to influence their verdict.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • What that collaboration has come up with is a new knife that pushes Opinel's classic profile to new heights in terms of user friendliness and features.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
  • The friendliness, the blue-sky, anything-is-possible thinking, and their love of this land.
    — Priyanka Mattoo, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Definition of friendliness
Noun
  • The novel does not assign cruelty or compassion to any one community.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
  • This issue stems not from a lack of compassion from parents or health care professionals, but from systemic failures.
    — Anna Tsioulias, STAT, 29 July 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • The cordiality and handsome looks of the dining room are exquisite reminders of elaborate Milanese design.
    — John Mariani, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Indianapolis didn't crack Nextdoor's list of the 20 friendliest cities in Indiana, but its separate ranking of neighborhoods in the Indy metro area finds plenty of cordiality in Central Indiana.
    — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 27 Feb. 2026
Definition of cordiality

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kindlessly
kindliness
kindling
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Cite this Entry

“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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