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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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
-
In this screen-free environment, the two narrators meet and form a friendship that strengthens them both.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
Finally, once the full moon in Capricorn arrives to close out the month, a friendship, long-term goal or group dynamic becomes crystal clear.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Small, concrete acts of kindness can mean more to a grieving person than words alone and eliminates the burden of having to ask for help.—
Julie Kaplow,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
-
Her neighbors’ kindness helped her through her grief.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
With spare, gripping sentences, Cagnati tells a sobering tale of suffering and tenderness.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
Jack wanted to find the tenderness in a story most people remember as relentless.—
Joel Wilson,
IndieWire,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
So, investing in the well-being of women leaders isn't an act of generosity.—
Nakisha Dixon,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
This isn’t out of generosity or a desire to protect the game’s well-being.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Elon Musk, the chief executive of Blue Origin's chief competitor SpaceX, offered his sympathy.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
-
Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Cesar's family and friends during this very sad time.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Anything and everything is possible and can be achieved with a trademark, down-to-earth friendliness.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
What does Pennsylvania's score for LGBTQ friendliness mean?—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Adele appreciated the effort and felt compassion for him, also guilt for being more talented.—
Jonathan Franzen,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
-
Lyubomirsky, a longtime researcher in the field of happiness, together with Harry Reis, a dean’s professor in the University of Rochester’s department of psychology, have written a treatise on how to bring more compassion, acceptance and vulnerability to our relationships.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
1 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
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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 6 Jun. 2026.
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