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
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His first wife is remembered for introducing him to novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand, with whom Greenspan shared a friendship, a belief in free-market economic ideals and a philosophy of objectivism.
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Through icy landscapes, courage and friendship are tested – and the children discover that the true magic of Christmas comes from togetherness.
Noun
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Choose kindness at home, let steadiness lead.
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Cancer June 21 – July 22 Clarity grows as your words find kindness.
Noun
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Their chemistry grounds every emotional turn of the film, balancing comedy, heartbreak, and tenderness with confidence and precision.
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This includes pain and tenderness on the inner side of your elbow and stiffness of your elbow.
Noun
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When storage itself is put on display, of course, the museum is still speaking, declaring both the wealth of its holdings and its generosity in sharing them.
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Badly wounded in a battle of revenge, Robin Hood is brought to a priory and tended by Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer), whose generosity awakens his finer feelings and spurs him to virtuous, self-sacrificing action.
Noun
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And, for all the theater of the hearing and Wyper’s expressions of sympathy with aldermen, the Stonepeak executive didn’t offer any meaningful concessions to make this obnoxious meter deal more palatable for Chicagoans.
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No premature judgment and no overwrought sympathy here.
Noun
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There’s the Swede promoting the power of ranch dressing, the Italians marveling at fountain drinks with ice and free refills, the English rhapsodizing over chicken parm and just about everyone shouting out the friendliness of the businesses that served them.
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Keewaydin Island Keewaydin Island is an eight-mile-long, undeveloped barrier island located between Naples and Marco Island, known for its totally unspoiled white-sand beaches and dog-friendliness.
Noun
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These displays of simulated compassion can evolve into romance scams or attempts to defraud beneficiaries out of inheritance money.
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Practicing self-compassion – that is, offering yourself warmth, nonjudgment and understanding during stressful and challenging moments – can reduce anxiety, depression and internalized stigma.
Noun
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The cordiality and handsome looks of the dining room are exquisite reminders of elaborate Milanese design.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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