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

Other than a couple moments of tenderness between Tommy and his fiancée, there are no scenes in the first book that challenge our negative perception of Tommy. —Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025

Social attitudes toward black bears fluctuate between admiration, tenderness, and fear. —Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025

For all of his own mutability and tenderness, Dickinson wouldn’t have worked for the role of Mike — his presence is too big. —Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025

There may be a slight tension or tenderness after the operation, but this condition is short-term and temporary. —Lyssanoel Frater, IndyStar, 6 Oct. 2025