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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tenderness
sympathetic concern for the well-being of others
an elderly couple of modest means but infinite kindliness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
Grandpa is hung-over,
grandma has run out of kindliness, Mom has post-traumatic
hostess stress.
—Wired Staff, WIRED, 26 Dec. 2003
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
Grandpa is hung-over,
grandma has run out of kindliness, Mom has post-traumatic
hostess stress.
—Wired Staff, WIRED, 26 Dec. 2003
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindliness
Noun
-
Jen and Conrad's friendship continued on The Hills, which documented an on- and off-screen fallout involving Brody Jenner, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt.—
Rachel McRady,
PEOPLE,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Between carting narcotics across the border to Mexico, Rue and Faye (Chloe Cherry) form a close friendship, though Rue hangs on to ties to her past.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Dolores is a tribute to all of us to continue the struggle for justice and humanity — not to be caught up in an ideology for a cause that is greater than our basic human needs for kindness, dignity and belonging.—
Lynn DeWoskin Covarrubias,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Send a caring text because kindness opens doors without fuss.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Guard tenderness while keeping friendships warm and open.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Apr. 2026
-
In the summer months, learn how to fry pork chops for maximum tenderness without flour or other coatings.—
Wini Moranville,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There’s something profoundly beautiful about presenting an opportunity to build community, even better when others accept the generosity.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The Tuscan landscape looks lovely, and the film demonstrates a generosity toward its characters that, let’s face it, feels like a balm when the real world can be so stupid and rough.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Couples expressed sympathy for Woods, sharing his own experience with back pain, but for some of Woods’ peers, that sympathy is qualified with a caveat.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
-
While Council members expressed sympathy towardf those who have been impacted by recent federal immigration action, some members were hesitant to pursue such an ordinance, fearing that the legislation would give residents a false sense of security.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But, most importantly, her warmth and friendliness make the difference.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
-
And the openness and the friendliness and the happy faces.—
Annie Alleman,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Review a budget, cancel unused subscriptions, or price your art or services more fairly, while remembering that compassion includes paying yourself on time.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Cass High officials said the school will carry forward Dean's commitment to students and his example of compassion and dedication.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Liberated from this approach to economic warfare, relations with allies may recover some of their former cordiality.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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