1
: the quality or state of being good
There's goodness in everyone.
They agreed to help out of the goodness of their hearts. [=because they are good and kind people]
2
—used interjectionally or in phrases especially to express mild surprise or shock
oh, my goodness!
goodness knows
3
: the nutritious, flavorful, or beneficial part of something
the goodness of the vegetables
Examples of goodness in a Sentence
Even if you don't agree, at least have the goodness to be polite!
a person of such unaffected goodness that his friends were inspired to lead better lives
Recent Examples on the Web
But my goodness, set aside time for that sandwich.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
And your fans, goodness gracious.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 21 May 2026
That's the honest-to-goodness truth.
—Belinda Luscombe, Time, 20 May 2026
Fire up your smoker to 250 degrees and add some hickory wood for that smoky goodness.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for goodness
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
And your fans, goodness gracious.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 21 May 2026
That's the honest-to-goodness truth.
—Belinda Luscombe, Time, 20 May 2026
Fire up your smoker to 250 degrees and add some hickory wood for that smoky goodness.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for goodness
Cite this Entry
“Goodness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goodness. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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