kindness

noun

kind·​ness ˈkīn(d)-nəs How to pronounce kindness (audio)
Synonyms of kindness
1
: the quality or state of being kind
treating people with kindness and respect
2
: a kind deed : favor
They did me a great kindness.
3
archaic : affection
see also:
milk of human kindness

Synonyms of kindness

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of kindness in a Sentence

We thanked her for her many kindnesses. You would be doing me a great kindness if you agreed to help.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But on the other hand, she also was just filled with kindness. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 The death of Dolly Parton at age 80 leaves a legacy of kindness, philanthropy, films — and an enormous catalog of songs, including countless hits over the decades. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026 In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, Swift celebrated the country legend’s legacy — highlighting how Parton’s resilience, kindness, and bravery have taught generations of fans and musicians. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026 Her example reminds me that small acts of kindness, repeated over time, can add up to something much bigger than the grandest gesture. — Kristy High, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kindness

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kindness was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing kindness

Rhymes for kindness

See All Rhymes for kindness

Browse Nearby Words

kindly tenant
kindness
kind of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kindness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kindness. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

kindness

noun
kind·​ness ˈkīn(d)-nəs How to pronounce kindness (audio)
1
: a kind deed : favor
returned his kindness
2
: the quality or state of being kind
treat others with kindness
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of conscientious

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All