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
Relevance
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
-
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
Noun
-
This seemingly random act of kindness is not without strings, as DeMille alludes to working together more in the future.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
-
Watching together gives parents a chance to support kids in thinking critically about social dynamics and how to respond with kindness and courage.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
Follow these simple guidelines to season steak the right way, boosting both flavor and tenderness for restaurant-worthy results.—
Laura Manzano,
Martha Stewart,
5 June 2026
-
With spare, gripping sentences, Cagnati tells a sobering tale of suffering and tenderness.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
But beginning on February 11, 2022 108 healthy adults from across the United States performed an act of selfless generosity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
He is remembered for his generosity to families in need, and his dedication to giving back to his community.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Colorado community newspaper El Diario de la Gente, which was published in Boulder, carried a report in early 1976 that told its readers about budding sympathies between the striking Teamsters and the heavily Mexican American United Farm Workers movement.—
H.M.A. Leow,
JSTOR Daily,
12 June 2026
-
Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill issued a statement expressing sympathy for the girl’s family when the search was first called off.—
Jazmin Alvarado,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Dedicated users tout their environmental benefits, such as waste reduction, cost-friendliness and potential for symptom management.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
-
Anything and everything is possible and can be achieved with a trademark, down-to-earth friendliness.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Small acts of care, respect and compassion between neighbors help to build a healthy democracy.—
Brooke Barnett,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 June 2026
-
That compassion does not necessarily extend to animals actively biting you.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
9 June 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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