KIND Synonyms: 197 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'kind' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of kind are character , description , nature , sort , and type . While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," kind may suggest natural grouping. // a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

Q: Where would 'character' be a reasonable alternative to 'kind'?

The synonyms character and kind are sometimes interchangeable, but character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type. // research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

Q: When could 'description' be used to replace 'kind'?

While the synonyms description and kind are close in meaning, description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined. // not all acts of that description are actually illegal

Q: When would 'nature' be a good substitute for 'kind'?

While in some cases nearly identical to kind , nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses. // two problems of a similar nature

Q: When can 'sort' be used instead of 'kind'?

The words sort and kind can be used in similar contexts, but sort often suggests some disparagement. // the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

Q: When is it sensible to use 'type' instead of 'kind'?

Although the words type and kind have much in common, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group. // one of three basic body types

kind 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of kind

as in compassionate

having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others a kind person who regularly volunteers at the homeless shelter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thoughtful

given to or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and happiness of others providing the grieving widow with a homemade meal was a kind deed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

kind

2 of 2

noun

ˈkīnd

as in type

a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common I like that kind of candy

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in category

one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic we looked at just about every kind of flooring before deciding which to use in the kitchen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word kind distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of kind are character, description, nature, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

Where would character be a reasonable alternative to kind?

The synonyms character and kind are sometimes interchangeable, but character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When could description be used to replace kind?

While the synonyms description and kind are close in meaning, description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When would nature be a good substitute for kind?

While in some cases nearly identical to kind, nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When can sort be used instead of kind?

The words sort and kind can be used in similar contexts, but sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

When is it sensible to use type instead of kind?

Although the words type and kind have much in common, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

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 kind

Adjective

For instance, your colleagues may be very agreeable and kind to their boss but rude to their more junior colleagues, or the cafeteria waiter. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The video was definitely a hit, but for a parent, that much attention can bring mixed emotions, especially when some of the reactions include praise but others are not so kind. — Owen Carry, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Noun

This world timer has a first-of-its-kind system for adjusting for daylight saving time (DST). — Carol Besler, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026 Non-franchise vehicle licenses — the kind that a small operator like Arida Wright would need — are considerably less expensive, with a $375 annual fee. — Sonjirose Chin, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kind

Recent Examples of Synonyms for kind

Adjective

Libra September 23 – October 22 The routine that keeps draining you may need a more compassionate rhythm.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
The vaccine is being used under a compassionate-use program, which allows a medical product to be used in a serious disease situation even though it has not been specifically approved for that particular use.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of compassionate

Adjective

The fall 2026 collections leaned into this expression of individuality, showcasing an array of accents that encourage thoughtful experimentation.

— Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Every element is artful, thoughtful—a genuine expression of the Sersales’ enduring love affair with contemporary art and cultural storytelling.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of thoughtful

Noun

Sorry to sit on the fence but both of them… There was little to like about a stale, out-of-sorts Manchester United facing a side with not a single fearsome attacker.

— Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
No matter your hurry, overloading your washing machine will produce a headache of a different sort (and might even cost you more money).

— Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of sort

Noun

In the book’s 16 central chapters, Roden wanders from central categories such as yogurt, egg dishes, breads and pickles, showing how the countries of this region prepare stunning variations of common foodstuffs.

— Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
Public-health guidance still frames plain water as sufficient hydration for many users, which sits in tension with the personalized electrolyte marketing driving much of the category.

— Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of category

Adjective

The new movie follows a benevolent ex-pilot named Hig (Jacob Elordi) who, after losing his wife during a catastrophic global pandemic, lives out in the wilderness with his dog, Jasper, and ornery isolationist pal Bangley (Josh Brolin).

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
City leaders agree large, unsupervised gatherings could put kids at risk even if most attendees are there for benevolent reasons.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of benevolent

Adjective

Rod Patrick, known for its wide spectrum of available sizes among the 15,000 pairs of in-stock boots, sells premium and bespoke boots to a discerning client who appreciates attentive service.

— Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Manipulative people can be extraordinarily generous, attentive, and supportive when there is something to gain, which is precisely why judging character from early impressions is so difficult.

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of attentive

Noun

This is a genre film with a very intriguing world at its core, and Raja has brought a distinctive vision to it.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
His career has also included collaborations with artists across hip-hop and other genres, including Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne and Jelly Roll.

— J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of genre

Adjective

With the ownership transfer and a potentially sympathetic mayor, the future of the graves at Higgs Beach enters another period of hope and uncertainty.

— Oliver Wu, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
The smartest plaintiffs' attorneys are doing a good job shopping for judges sympathetic to their cases — and there are more than 30 at the moment with nearly 400 athletes involved.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of sympathetic

Browse Nearby Words

kin

kind

kindergarten

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Kind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kind. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of kind

adjective

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

What does 'nice' mean, anyway?

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

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

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of kind

adjective

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing kind

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to kind

What does 'nice' mean, anyway?

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

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

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes