Synonyms of tenderness

tenderness

noun

ˈten-dər-nəs 

as in kindness

sympathetic concern for the well-being of others

volunteers at the shelter tended to all the animals in their care with great tenderness

Synonyms & Similar Words

• kindness
• warmth
• humaneness
• tenderheartedness
• kindliness
• benignity
• attentiveness
• generosity
• beneficence
• benevolence
• kindheartedness
• thoughtfulness
• warmheartedness
• good-heartedness
• benignancy
• patience
• considerateness
• friendliness
• mercifulness
• compassionateness
• softheartedness
• affability
• pleasantness
• understanding
• tolerance
• graciousness
• leniency
• niceness
• clemency
• charitableness
• magnanimity
• unselfishness
• altruism
• good-naturedness
• good-temperedness
• philanthropy
• charity
• greatheartedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cruelty
• brutality
• savagery
• inhumanity
• callousness
• barbarity
• heartlessness
• savageness
• brutishness
• unkindness
• ruthlessness
• bestiality
• mercilessness
• severity
• toughness
• insensitivity
• sternness
• hard-heartedness
• cold-bloodedness
• thoughtlessness
• inconsiderateness
• harshness
• barbarousness
• pitilessness
• grimness
• unkindliness
• unfeelingness
• meanness
• virulence
• malevolence
• spitefulness
• hatefulness
• maliciousness
• vitriol

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tenderness

Infection signs — warmth, redness, tenderness or a fever over 100°F — warrant same-day evaluation, per University of Utah Health. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Seek prompt care for signs of infection such as warmth, redness or tenderness, or a fever over 100°F. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026

Key Takeaway Statins, medications used to manage cholesterol, sometimes cause weakness, tenderness, and muscle fatigue. — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 23 July 2026

Other potential side effects include acne, breast tenderness or enlargement, fluid retention and worsening symptoms of untreated sleep apnea. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 20 July 2026