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
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Recent Examples of tenderness
The kind of instigating prompt was my former teacher, the author Lydia Yuknavitch, asking where the rage lived in my work, because Long Live was so much about forgiveness and tenderness and understanding.
—
Emma Specter, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
The hallmark symptom of mumps is swelling of one or both parotid glands, which can cause puffy cheeks and tenderness along the jaw.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
News of the outfielder’s (alleged) positive PED test and his (pending) full-season suspension hit with all the tenderness of a two-buck tenderloin.
—Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Known for its thick, crunchy breading and perfectly moist interior, this tenderloin delivers a hearty bite without sacrificing tenderness.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tenderness
Emma Specter, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
The hallmark symptom of mumps is swelling of one or both parotid glands, which can cause puffy cheeks and tenderness along the jaw.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
News of the outfielder’s (alleged) positive PED test and his (pending) full-season suspension hit with all the tenderness of a two-buck tenderloin.
—Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Known for its thick, crunchy breading and perfectly moist interior, this tenderloin delivers a hearty bite without sacrificing tenderness.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tenderness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenderness
kindness
Noun
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But perhaps most importantly, Soluna exudes a kindness and warm that influences the world around her.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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Her books focus on themes of encouraging kindness, self-worth, friendship, love, family, respect, resilience, inclusion and appreciating cultural heritage.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tenderness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenderness. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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