kindness
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for kindness, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The quality of being kind; a caring, generous, and considerate nature.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use kindness
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
act of kindness
out of kindness
show kindness
Etymology
From Middle English kyndenesse, formed from "kind" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ness."
Full origin of kindness →Frequently asked questions
What does “kindness” mean?
The word “kindness” means the quality of being kind; a caring, generous, and considerate nature. In plain terms, being kind, or a specific caring act — like helping someone or doing something thoughtful for them.
How do you pronounce “kindness”?
“Kindness” is pronounced KYND-nuhs (/ˈkaɪnd.nəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “kindness” in a sentence?
Here is “kindness” used in a sentence: “Her kindness toward strangers made a lasting impression on everyone she met.”
What part of speech is “kindness”?
“Kindness” is a noun.
Where does the word “kindness” come from?
The word “kindness” comes from Middle English. From Middle English kyndenesse, formed from "kind" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ness.".
Is “kindness” a common word?
“Kindness” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “kindness” have?
“Kindness” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the quality of being kind; a caring, generous, and considerate nature.
What is the difference between kindness and compassion?
Kindness is the general quality of being caring, generous, and considerate towards others. Compassion is more specific: it is the feeling of concern for someone who is suffering, combined with the wish to help. You can show kindness in everyday situations where nobody is suffering, whereas compassion is a response to someone's distress.
Can kindness be used in the plural, as "kindnesses"?
Yes. When kindness refers to a specific act of caring or generous behaviour, it is countable, so you can speak of "many small kindnesses" or "the kindnesses she showed us." When it names the general quality of being kind, it stays singular and uncountable.
