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

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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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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

At Owen’s wedding, Pella’s engagement falls apart and her friendship with Irma seems to reach a breaking point.

— B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Based between Saudi Arabia and The Netherlands, AlSoghayer’s work explores womanhood, memory, friendship, patriarchy and growing up within a rapidly changing society.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of friendship

Noun

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
In Sense and Sensibility, Nordrum plays Colonel Brandon with heart-wrenching tenderness.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of tenderness

Noun

All the more reason for leaders to play the generosity sweepstakes in ways that are advantageous to them.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Give creators the freedom and resources to do something meaningful for their own communities, whether that means recognizing someone, supporting a local cause or simply creating a moment of generosity or care.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of generosity

Noun

But Trump’s persistent sympathy for Russia’s position remains a mystery of our time.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Public sympathy for Palestinians is widespread in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, and the government has long supported an independent Palestinian state.

— Niniek Karmini, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of sympathy

Noun

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
These battlewagons have many pluses, but user-friendliness isn't one of them.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of friendliness

Noun

No, any empathy felt for Pam Voorhees (Linda Cardellini) and her son, Jason (Callum Vinson), stems from natural human compassion.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
His support of Misericordia reflected his deep compassion for the individuals and families who make up our community.

— Tom Barnas, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of compassion

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kindlessly

kindliness

kindling

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“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of kindliness

noun

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