1
as in kind
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others
brought homemade chicken soup out of kindly concern for my health
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpful
promoting or contributing to personal or social well-being
a vegetarian diet can be very kindly to a person hoping to lose a few pounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in nicely
with good reason or courtesy
would you kindly hand me the scissors?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pretty
chiefly Southern
to some degree or extent
their visit was kindly a surprise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 kindly
Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
But the kindly decision wasn't popular with the pup, who clearly didn't want to give up any of his beloved toys.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025
The musical tells the same basic story as the movie: A teenager named Marty McFly helps a kindly old inventor named Doc create a time machine.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for kindly
Adjective
In 2016 in California, Hindu-nationalist groups claimed that sixth-grade textbooks were biased against Hindus and demanded they be revised to give a kindlier depiction of the caste system, and to downplay the role of patriarchy in India.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
But the kindly decision wasn't popular with the pup, who clearly didn't want to give up any of his beloved toys.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024
Adverb
In order to keep waste to a minimum for the event, it is kindly asked that guests bring their own water bottles.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025
The musical tells the same basic story as the movie: A teenager named Marty McFly helps a kindly old inventor named Doc create a time machine.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for kindly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindly
Adjective
-
Despite the criticism, Tonn remains grateful for the support the video has brought to the dog's case, and the majority of kind comments.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
-
Much like his character, Boyce is mild-mannered, kind and effortlessly funny.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
Anxiety can hinder so much of everyday life, but there are many helpful and safe ways to cope.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
23 June 2025
-
Research shows that legumes also provide various helpful compounds, such as peptides, polyphenols, and saponins.10 These compounds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
22 June 2025
Adverb
-
Yellow and purple is a pretty bold choice of contrasting colours.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
Don’t be daunted by official terms and names in the mattress world—they’re actually pretty straightforward.—
Julia Forbes,
Wired News,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
This, for me, is a viable and compassionate way of supporting your people — those, like Griselda best said, who are the ones consuming your music and buying your concert ticket.—
Sigal Ratner-Arias,
Billboard,
20 June 2025
-
Through his characters, Fellowes communicates his approval for a more compassionate and inclusive upper crust.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Guidelines that distinguish between AI as a learning tool and AI as a substitute for learning are beneficial to both teachers and students.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
-
Experts say any walking is beneficial, but intervals may boost fitness and break plateaus.—
Cathy Cassata,
Health,
19 June 2025
Adverb
-
The prospect of trying to cut open a stubborn 5-4-1 block in the Orlando heat could have become torturous quite quickly.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
Though quite different in tone and style, the Fast and Furious movies owe a lot to this bubbly cult classic. 36.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
The boys play benevolent Nathan Fielder types helping their friend Karli rehearse an upcoming appearance on the popular social-media show SubwayTakes; the prompts she’s presented with in their VR simulator offer a perfect place to nest jokes.—
Hershal Pandya,
Vulture,
26 June 2025
-
Murals across Iran feature his seemingly benevolent white-bearded face.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
The odds backcourt mate Will Richard would hear his name called were not nearly as favorable.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2025
-
One is known as the Brady database — a reference to the 1963 U.S. Supreme Court decision Brady vs. Maryland, which says prosecutors are required to turn over evidence that could be favorable to a defendant, including evidence of police misconduct.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kindly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindly. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share