KINDLINESS Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

kindliness

noun

ˈkīn(d)-lē-nəs

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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 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

Fleur and Caroline put innumerable noses out of joint on their paths to creative and intellectual fulfillment; lovers become dejected, friendships are left to go cold, and each woman’s devotion to her work is viewed with resentment and suspicion.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
The show explores middle-age desperation, loneliness and, notably, masculinity and male friendship.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026