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
-
Madeleine, like most elementary school kids, enjoys recess on the playground – a haven where friendships form, independence builds and imaginations run free.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Former Today cohosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb recently reunited to reminisce on the highs and lows of their longtime friendship.—
Daysia Tolentino,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
If someone fishes for attention, offer praise while naming your need for equal give and take, because harmony grows when kindness and clarity share space.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Clarity paired with kindness heals misunderstandings faster than silence.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Create safety now so tenderness can unfold.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Use your Instant Pot to cook the chicken to tenderness in no time flat.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Everyone at The Rustic was aware that much of Tech’s football status today is thanks to his generosity.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Honor your worth to protect stability and gentle generosity today.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Longtime friend’s insistence on giving fixes, not sympathy, has the letter writer questioning unhealthy patterns.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
From the reusable water bottles each guest receives upon check-in to their latest venue, the Glasshouse, which is made in part from stone native to the area and is entirely climate-controlled through geothermal heating, eco-friendliness is baked into the brief at Cedar Lakes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Its sustainability efforts go beyond basic nods to eco-friendliness.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Through fasting, believers also experience the hunger and thirst of the poor, further building a sense of compassion and generosity.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Nanos asked members of the media to exhibit professionalism and compassion.—
Richard Ruelas,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
All that being said, cordiality may be the path of least resistance for the sake of your other relationships.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Visuals of exaggerated cordiality between the Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and President Xi Jinping of China at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit on September 1 displayed China’s convening power.—
Shyam Saran,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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