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
-
Meehan’s family soon moved to the Toures’ neighborhood, and the friendship deepened.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
The group chat, I’d argue, is where modern friendships actually live in their most potent day-to-day form—not at brunch, not at bars, not even at events like weddings or baby showers.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Understand that kindness and consideration can go a long way in these types of negotiation situations.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
16 May 2026
-
Regardless of travel purpose or appearance, kindness and patience matter most in how passengers are treated.—
Joey Skladany,
Travel + Leisure,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The mood is loaded like a memory, possessing a tenderness that goes beyond the usual pre-disaster movie tension.—
Sophie Monks Kaufman,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
-
Poppy has done an amazing job adapting Chloe’s beloved books, and the way both writers capture young people’s lives with such empathy, tenderness and honesty feels truly extraordinary to me.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
This is the generosity of Hamaguchi’s storytelling.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
Saint Zdislava of Lemberk lived from 1220 to 1252 and was known for her generosity and work for the poor.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The series takes its time getting to the main event, building tension and sympathy for its characters before plunging them into ruin.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
14 May 2026
-
Williamson’s guilty pleas drew a measured response from Newsom, who at a news conference for his May revision of the state’s budget expressed sympathy for her four children.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Kudos to this restaurant for their high quality of food, presentation of the meal and the friendliness and attention of the outstanding staff.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 May 2026
-
Once on the train, Janet’s forced friendliness toward Zack and his polite, cordial responses gradually ignite Krazy Kristen.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
May is Oncology Nursing Month, a time to recognize the compassion, strength, and dedication of nurses caring for cancer patients.—
Najahe Sherman,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
-
Goose's empathetic nature resonates with the water sign, which is known for its compassion.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
16 May 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 21 May. 2026.
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