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
-
His first wife is remembered for introducing him to novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand, with whom Greenspan shared a friendship, a belief in free-market economic ideals and a philosophy of objectivism.—
Patricio Chile,
ABC News,
22 June 2026
-
Through icy landscapes, courage and friendship are tested – and the children discover that the true magic of Christmas comes from togetherness.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
Choose kindness at home, let steadiness lead.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 June 2026
-
Cancer June 21 – July 22 Clarity grows as your words find kindness.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Their chemistry grounds every emotional turn of the film, balancing comedy, heartbreak, and tenderness with confidence and precision.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
21 June 2026
-
This includes pain and tenderness on the inner side of your elbow and stiffness of your elbow.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
That generosity extends throughout the ensemble.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
19 June 2026
-
Wild lavender flowers fill Saudi’s desert landscapes in springtime, so purple is a celebrated color in the nation and regarded as a symbol of generosity.—
Steve Douglas,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
The Mayor, Council, and the City of Jackson offer our heartfelt sympathies to Brandi, Clint, Cal, Maggie, and the whole Butts County School System.—
CBS News Atlanta Digital Team,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
-
The royal household, which has in the past expressed sympathy for all those affected by the case, declined to react to Monday's verdict.—
Gwladys Fouche,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
There’s the Swede promoting the power of ranch dressing, the Italians marveling at fountain drinks with ice and free refills, the English rhapsodizing over chicken parm and just about everyone shouting out the friendliness of the businesses that served them.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
Keewaydin Island Keewaydin Island is an eight-mile-long, undeveloped barrier island located between Naples and Marco Island, known for its totally unspoiled white-sand beaches and dog-friendliness.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
These displays of simulated compassion can evolve into romance scams or attempts to defraud beneficiaries out of inheritance money.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2026
-
Practicing self-compassion – that is, offering yourself warmth, nonjudgment and understanding during stressful and challenging moments – can reduce anxiety, depression and internalized stigma.—
Christina Balderrama-Durbin,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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