kindliness

noun

ˈkīn(d)-lē-nəs How to pronounce kindliness (audio)
Definition of kindlinessnext
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

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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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindliness
  1. friendship
  2. kindness
  3. tenderness
  4. generosity
  5. sympathy
  6. friendliness
  7. compassion
  8. cordiality
Noun
  • This film is the story of Tony and Emma – a friendship which unfolds unexpectedly.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026
  • Speaking to People in 2024, Garten raved about her friendship with Garner.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 20 July 2026
Definition of friendship
Noun
  • Pannakara’s discourses on mindfulness and kindness in churchyards, town squares and in front of the Lincoln Memorial drew large, diverse crowds.
    — Deepa Bharath, Fortune, 17 July 2026
  • Guitars take the place of shovels, as Henry now repays Carlos’ kindness by helping to save the land that Carlos assumes is ravaged.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Symptoms can include a lump in the armpit, dimpled skin on the chest, red or flaky skin near the nipple, pain or tenderness on the chest or armpit, clear or bloody nipple discharge and an inverted nipple, per the Cleveland Clinic.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
  • Watch for other signs of pregnancy like breast tenderness, weight gain, and nausea.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 14 July 2026
Definition of tenderness
Noun
  • Effective recovery depends not only on the generosity of the donations, but also on strategic approaches that can get the type of aid needed to the people who need it.
    — Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 13 July 2026
  • In all of these cases, the effect is largely the same—forging intimacy through some level of generosity or gallantry, coupled with pure, physical proximity—and in 2026, all of them are still technically possible.
    — Sara Delgado, Vogue, 9 July 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • Allstate and Hartford Insurance also rose more than 2% in sympathy.
    — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • Frandel offered no sympathy for Sochor’s advanced age, pointing out that Sochor’s father will turn 99 this year.
    — David Fischer, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • What that collaboration has come up with is a new knife that pushes Opinel's classic profile to new heights in terms of user friendliness and features.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
  • The friendliness, the blue-sky, anything-is-possible thinking, and their love of this land.
    — Priyanka Mattoo, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Definition of friendliness
Noun
  • Beyond helping during traumatic calls, Lopez, Domino’s handler, said bringing him to a scene represents an effort to show residents a different side of law enforcement, one built around compassion and trust.
    — Verónica Egui Brito July 15, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Food for thought Guests are also offered food for thought in workshops on topics like mindfulness, self-compassion over self-criticism, finding your why and how to get better sleep.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of compassion
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
Definition of cordiality

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kindlessly
kindliness
kindling
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Cite this Entry

“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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