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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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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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
  • Her demeaning behavior toward her boyfriend makes the letter writer reconsider their friendship.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Her physical absence changes nothing about the circumstances of our friendship.
    — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of friendship
Noun
  • Patience and kindness can go a long way, Henderson says, and Seshadri reminds everyone to extend that respect to the airport staff and your fellow passengers.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Be patient when a grocery store cashier with disabilities rings up your items — kindness can go a long way.
    — John Gill, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • That roller coaster of flavor and tenderness comes from dry-aging the steaks for 30 to 40 days in rum, and a marinade that involves both jerk spice and Onwuachi’s mother’s Creole green seasoning, a paste of herbs, aromatics and peppers.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • There is stillness, a tenderness, a respect for women and a depth of feeling that is unmistakably his.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of tenderness
Noun
  • Woolf treats this psychic drama seriously and with great generosity and tenderness.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
  • My response was to remind them that their generosity could have big financial consequences.
    — Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • Joseph Zada is beyond impressive in a highly demanding role that pushes him to the limit physically and emotionally, perfectly capturing the essence of Haymitch with all the sympathy, charm and bitterness Woody Harrelson brought to the role.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Arab Israelis of Palestinian descent make up 20% of the population but are often seen with suspicion because of their sympathies with other Palestinians.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • Everyone is incredibly affable, welcoming guests with friendliness that never feels forced or excessive.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Rice’s reputation as the rare C-suite suit with both taste and talent-friendliness followed him out of Disney to a non-exclusive production and co-financing deal with A24 for both TV and film.
    — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of friendliness
Noun
  • Immersed in a melting pot of Mexican, Filipino, African American, Japanese and Chinese working families, Huerta learned from her mother — who owned a restaurant and hotel — about independence, compassion and activism.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • This is reorienting representation in Arkansas based on common sense, based on compassion and based on showing up.
    — Stephen Fowler, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • Joe Biden rose through the Senate, which required cordiality and the ability to strike deals with rivals.
    — Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The cordiality and handsome looks of the dining room are exquisite reminders of elaborate Milanese design.
    — John Mariani, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 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 30 Oct. 2026.

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