KINDLINESS Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

kindliness

noun

ˈkīn(d)-lē-nəs

Definition of kindliness

as in friendship

kindly concern, interest, or support was touched by the kindliness of his neighbors, who voluntarily took care of his dog while he was in the hospital

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in kindness

the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune as a result of her kindliness, several poor families have the makings for a Thanksgiving feast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tenderness

sympathetic concern for the well-being of others an elderly couple of modest means but infinite kindliness

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 kindliness Internet wags have wondered whether Gunn’s kindliness extends to malevolent immigrants like General Zod. — Armond White, National Review, 18 July 2025 What was needed was a distanced kindliness—patience, an acknowledgment of the mess that was unfolding, an explanation of a way through, a reiteration of the soundness of the larger vision. — Peggy Noonan, WSJ, 19 Aug. 2021 Weinberg’s memoir doesn’t aspire to the depth of Feeney’s study, but its fealty and kindliness have their own appeal. — Thomas Mallon, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindliness

Noun

While a release date hasn’t been announced yet, Fey teased that there would be more cozy vibes in the series about love and friendship.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026
Caylen’s friendship with Lawley has also been featured heavily in his online career.

— Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of friendship

Noun

If someone consistently behaves with kindness, generosity, and consideration, even when these behaviors require effort or self-restraint, their motives may be less important than their actions.

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The singer was so well known for helping out that fake stories are hard to refute, because even extraordinary acts of kindness sound like something Parton would do.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

Flowers’ voice also carries some of Waylon’s wry, bear-hug generosity, that warmth that always makes his music feel like good company.

— Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 25 Aug. 2026
The Dream Ride Experience has grown into an extraordinary celebration of community, generosity, and inclusion.

— Mark Maglio, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of generosity

Noun

These proposals, many times rooted in sympathy and love, were presented as alternatives to the political structures and market logic that had so often led to war, exploitation, hopelessness, and suffering.

— Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
The glories of some former age may be lamented, and our sympathies directed to parties judged righteous or wronged.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sympathy

Noun

Diaper qualities and features Some general diaper selection factors to consider are cost, softness, absorbency, fit, fragrance, ingredients and environmental friendliness.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Casual and low-key, but sophisticated and very personable—all the friendliness without the snootiness.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of friendliness

Noun

The cordiality and handsome looks of the dining room are exquisite reminders of elaborate Milanese design.

— John Mariani, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Indianapolis didn't crack Nextdoor's list of the 20 friendliest cities in Indiana, but its separate ranking of neighborhoods in the Indy metro area finds plenty of cordiality in Central Indiana.

— Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 27 Feb. 2026

Definition of cordiality

Browse Nearby Words

kindlessly

kindliness

kindling

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of kindliness

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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

Popular in Wordplay

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

Popular

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

Games & Quizzes