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
-
Every friendship goes through seasons.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Trevor is, of course, waiting for him there, and their friendship develops through a series of adventures that feel authentic to the characters and setting.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Start small, nurture your base, and let kindness blossom from there.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Watching together gives parents a chance to support kids in thinking critically about social dynamics and how to respond with kindness and courage.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Her visage is not one of outward excitement but of tenderness for this man who should love her.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
31 Jan. 2026
-
For extra tenderness, these steaks are simmered long and slow, so the gravy is extra rich and tangy.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The strained awkwardness of Adelina and Alban’s gestures of generosity underscore the class disparity between the city dwellers and their relatives.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Hunter echoes that sentiment, pointing to Donna’s professional success and generosity of spirit.—
Dawn Klavon,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There was also sympathy within the dressing room for having the betting allegations hanging over him for so long.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Bo, Luke and Matthew, our deepest sympathies.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The service From the smiles that greet travellers at the front door to the housekeepers, restaurant staff, and pool attendants, there’s a sense of friendliness here that cascades down from the effortlessly charming general manager, Pep Lozano.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Its sustainability efforts go beyond basic nods to eco-friendliness.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This form of compassion helps prime us to act out our compassionate concern for others.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Jan. 2026
-
This is what the compassion of a community looks like.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
All that being said, cordiality may be the path of least resistance for the sake of your other relationships.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Visuals of exaggerated cordiality between the Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and President Xi Jinping of China at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit on September 1 displayed China’s convening power.—
Shyam Saran,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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