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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kindliness
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
Augustus didn’t emerge from uncertain beginnings and civil war through kindliness and good deeds; nor did Jahangir win the throne by patience and piety.
—Maxwell Carter, WSJ, 13 July 2018
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
Mr. McCartney was the exception, radiating aw-shucks kindliness and preaching heartfelt peace and love in many of his songs.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2016
Peggy Noonan, WSJ, 19 Aug. 2021
Augustus didn’t emerge from uncertain beginnings and civil war through kindliness and good deeds; nor did Jahangir win the throne by patience and piety.
—Maxwell Carter, WSJ, 13 July 2018
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
Mr. McCartney was the exception, radiating aw-shucks kindliness and preaching heartfelt peace and love in many of his songs.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindliness
Noun
-
Life advice Maintaining adult friendships after children come into the mix can be complicated.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
15 May 2025
-
And President Trump shows that friendship each and every day.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
Researchers explored how prosocial behavior, acts of genuine kindness and concern for others influences perceptions of physical attractiveness.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
But Mike throws the man’s kindness back in his face by knocking him out and lifting his watch and wallet.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
Outfielder Jake Fraley hasn’t played since Tuesday night with left calf tenderness.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
-
That my son was loved, and held, and bathed by this woman with such tenderness brought the tears back all over again.—
Domenica Ruta,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
And both Harrison and Pierce share a sort of commitment to their craft — professionalism, generosity on set.—
Ashley Hume , Larry Fink,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2025
-
Neuroscience shows that generosity activates reward centers in the brain.—
Matthew Scogin,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
Viewers flooded the comments with words of encouragement and concern, expressing sympathy for his state of mind and urging him to take care of his mental health.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
8 May 2025
-
Other footwear stocks rose in sympathy following the announcement.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
5 May 2025
Noun
-
Ireland ranked number 23 in USA Today's ranking of the best countries in the world in 2024, primarily because of the friendliness of its people and its interesting Celtic heritage.—
Alex Ledsom,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
-
Still, Stein's friendliness toward Republicans so far is somewhat unprecedented.—
Lucille Sherman,
Axios,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Our world needs symbols of hope, compassion and something greater than the struggles of this life.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2025
-
Their courage should prompt compassion, not condemnation.—
Laura Castañeda,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
As the president expresses agitation toward district judges who block his policies nationwide, Trump so far has maintained more cordiality with Roberts, refusing to attack him personally.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Such cordiality was impossible this time, and Dirk Hauser — head of media for Bayern’s academy then and to this day — had to keep the two men apart, in different parts of the old stadium.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
The Athletic,
27 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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