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
-
Critics particularly praised the chemistry between Johnson and Blunt, who channeled their real-life friendship to convey a genuine sense of ease between their characters.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
9 Sep. 2025
-
His entry covered 10 pages in total of the book, a storybook tale of their friendship interspersed with photographs.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Her kindness extended to her coworkers at Walmart.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The pair are remembered by the company for their kindness, generosity and support for local organizations such as the Ehloe Hospital, the Chico Police Business Support Team and Chico’s Elk Lodge.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Then Danielle and Michèle dance, with a casual tenderness belying how charged the moment is for Michèle.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The scene is a familiar one in these kinds of tales of regression, but Apatow imbues it with a tenderness.—
Esther Zuckerman,
IndieWire,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
-
But this in charity affects people’s generosity.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Newsrooms — like many other companies, amid a tight labor market and booming economy — responded with intense sympathy for junior employees who felt mistreated by managers and bullied by untouchable stars.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
And then Zhao gives you a moment of communal outpouring, as the play’s audience responds to a violent climax with sympathy and love.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In the South, friendliness is not a passing state but a way of life.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Next year, this historic eatery celebrates 80 years of serving tasty, homestyle fare with neighborly friendliness.—
Sarah Kuta,
Denver Post,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Dykes said his team was on board from the get-go, and that his players were happy to join other schools’ players in a show of compassion.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Sep. 2025
-
From claims adjudication to care coordination, every process requires balancing cost, quality, compliance, and compassion.—
Rajeev Ronanki,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But Trump is testing the limits of their cordiality.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
-
But while Trump and Putin speak of each other with cordiality, relations are testier between the two countries than the rhetoric would indicate.—
Astha Rajvanshi,
NBC news,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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