kind 1 of 2

noun

ˈkīnd How to pronounce kind (audio)
Definition of kindnext
1
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

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2
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

kind

2 of 2

adjective

1
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
2
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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For
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kind people
generous people
friendly people
thoughtful people
helpful people
kind words
pleasant words
sweet words
gentle words
nice words
kind intentions
nice intentions
wholesome intentions
great intentions
decent intentions
pure intentions
a kind way
a generous way
a tender way
a gentle way
a sweet way
kind thoughts
good thoughts
positive thoughts
compassionate thoughts
gentle thoughts
pleasant thoughts

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
Noun
The study, believed to be the first of its kind, was published in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine by a team at Oklahoma State University (OSU). —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025 Thanks to President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on the country, that success story might be the last of its kind, for a while at least. —Angela Watercutter, Wired News, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Bashir is talented, kind, and reserved, never arrogant about his obvious skills. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025 Christie’s stories have been kinder to the travel industry than time has been to her settings: the Winter Palace and its famous gardens on the eastern bank of the Nile are today a far cry from their glory days, though it is rumored that a recent change in ownership will result in a refurbishment. —Chris Wallace, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kind
  1. thoughtful
  2. compassionate
  3. sort
  4. category
  5. attentive
  6. benevolent
  7. genre
  8. caring
Adjective
  • Virtual work can be thoughtful, efficient, and sustainable, but only if the foundation is clear.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The post sparked a thoughtful discussion in the comments, with one user suggesting that neither party was necessarily in the wrong.
    — Ashley Vega, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • Officials expect about 100 prisoners each year will qualify for compassionate release, Buis said.
    — Don Thompson, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In 2013, Francis garnered headlines for his open-minded stance on homosexuality, a notably compassionate approach compared with the Catholic Church’s historic position on the issue.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • But this year, a spring market of sorts could start taking shape in May and June, with an uptick in inventory.
    — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Once again, Argentina depends on the IMF which recently gave the country another bail out of sorts, the 23 Fund program with Argentina since its founding.
    — Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of sort
Noun
  • Ralph Fiennes was also nominated in the Best Actor category for his performance in the film, while Isabella Rossellini was in running for best supporting actress.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Curiel won first place in the sports action category in the 82nd Annual Pictures of the Year International competition.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of category
Adjective
  • Pity the documentary filmmaker: A job already replete with near impossibilities—impossible to secure funding, impossible to get distribution, impossible to find an attentive audience—has just become even more difficult.
    — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Tap Into Your Listening Superpowers While extroverts might dominate conversations with their energy and expressiveness, introverts typically excel at attentive listening.
    — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of attentive
Adjective
  • But at its core, Wrexham’s rapid rise owes mostly to club stumbling into a relationship with a benevolent benefactor with far more resources than most of its now-former fourth- and fifth-division peers.
    — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Kate has always been considered to have a killer instinct and able to make these tough moral choices, and not always in the most benevolent way.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of benevolent
Noun
  • Taste is subjective, and USA TODAY Books has plenty of genres to recommend.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • While intrigued, Tovar didn’t imagine a place for himself in that world until his sister, an early fan of punk, mentioned that bands from the then-controversial genre were having trouble finding gigs to play.
    — Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of genre
Adjective
  • Their support gave me hope and reminded me of the power of a caring community.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • All three daughters wrote glowing letters, describing him as a wonderful and caring father.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of caring

Phrases Containing kind

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kin
kind
kindergarten
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Cite this Entry

“Kind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kind. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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