1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tenderness
sympathetic concern for the well-being of others
an elderly couple of modest means but infinite kindliness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
Grandpa is hung-over,
grandma has run out of kindliness, Mom has post-traumatic
hostess stress.
—Wired Staff, WIRED, 26 Dec. 2003
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
Grandpa is hung-over,
grandma has run out of kindliness, Mom has post-traumatic
hostess stress.
—Wired Staff, WIRED, 26 Dec. 2003
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindliness
Noun
-
Small, practical steps keep friendships growing steadily.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Try gifting her a Marc Jacobs friendship necklace set to share with you or the pal of her choice, an on-trend Coach bag charm or encourage her to read more with a new Kindle.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But perhaps most importantly, Soluna exudes a kindness and warm that influences the world around her.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Her books focus on themes of encouraging kindness, self-worth, friendship, love, family, respect, resilience, inclusion and appreciating cultural heritage.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Jonathan plays piano with unusual introspection and carries an interpretive voice that balances clarity, tenderness, and conviction.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
-
What came out was a performance radiating fire and tenderness.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Some respondents urged generosity regardless of the service model.—
Ryan Brennan
March 12,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Some respondents framed it as a moral question, arguing generosity should be the default regardless of service level.—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The official had little sympathy for Amodei’s position, which all but explicitly stated that his arbitrary contractual stipulations were the only acceptable bulwark against government impunity.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Our sympathy and thoughts are with their family and friends.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Washington state already ranks a dismal 45th out of the 50 states in tax friendliness because of a heavy burden of sales, capital gains, property and excise taxes.—
Betsy McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
-
His public persona stems from a friendliness that makes those around him feel at ease.—
Katey Psencik,
Austin American Statesman,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Your compassion remains strong, yet choosing yourself first, even in a small way, strengthens boundaries and helps every connection feel more honest.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The 2010s saw a rise in trans visibility, thanks in part to popular celebrity memoirs by Janet Mock, Chaz Bono, and Caitlyn Jenner, who shared their own stories in the hope of inspiring wider compassion.—
Isle McElroy,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Indianapolis didn't crack Nextdoor's list of the 20 friendliest cities in Indiana, but its separate ranking of neighborhoods in the Indy metro area finds plenty of cordiality in Central Indiana.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Liberated from this approach to economic warfare, relations with allies may recover some of their former cordiality.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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