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

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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

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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

Her demeaning behavior toward her boyfriend makes the letter writer reconsider their friendship.

— R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Her physical absence changes nothing about the circumstances of our friendship.

— Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of friendship

Noun

Patience and kindness can go a long way, Henderson says, and Seshadri reminds everyone to extend that respect to the airport staff and your fellow passengers.

— Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Be patient when a grocery store cashier with disabilities rings up your items — kindness can go a long way.

— John Gill, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

On my first listen to Nirosta Steel, I was so affected by the tenderness of the music and his voice.

— Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
On screen, Guitarrica’s expressive and angular visage conveys the fright and uncertainty that afflict his character, who is desperate for tenderness.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of tenderness

Noun

Everyone is incredibly affable, welcoming guests with friendliness that never feels forced or excessive.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Rice’s reputation as the rare C-suite suit with both taste and talent-friendliness followed him out of Disney to a non-exclusive production and co-financing deal with A24 for both TV and film.

— Josef Adalian, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of friendliness

Noun

But the decisions that define organizations—those involving ethics, trust, compassion, purpose and culture—remain deeply human responsibilities.

— Elisa Mallis, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Many healthcare workers preserve human dignity through compassion, patience, and care.

— Scott Levenson, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of compassion

Browse Nearby Words

kindlessly

kindliness

kindling

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Style

“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of kindliness

noun

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