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
To extend the lifespan of your green goodness even longer, add a thin layer of lime or lemon juice over the surface before sealing to help slow oxidation, or pour a thin layer of water over the top to block oxygen.
—
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
As a means of generating its own conceptions of goodness that feel compelling to most human beings, its record is quite mixed, perhaps because that’s not what it was ever designed to do.
—Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
So simple to make, your guests will be impressed by the sweet-smoky goodness combined with the tangy cheese.
—Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Now, if Latvia were to come home from these Olympics with an elimination-round victory, a bronze medal, or, my goodness, a silver medal?
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for goodness
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Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
As a means of generating its own conceptions of goodness that feel compelling to most human beings, its record is quite mixed, perhaps because that’s not what it was ever designed to do.
—Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
So simple to make, your guests will be impressed by the sweet-smoky goodness combined with the tangy cheese.
—Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Now, if Latvia were to come home from these Olympics with an elimination-round victory, a bronze medal, or, my goodness, a silver medal?
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 12 Feb. 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 20 Feb. 2026.
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