kindliness

noun

ˈkīn(d)-lē-nəs How to pronounce kindliness (audio)
Definition of kindlinessnext
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

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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

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3
as in tenderness
sympathetic concern for the well-being of others an elderly couple of modest means but infinite kindliness

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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindliness
  1. friendship
  2. kindness
  3. tenderness
  4. generosity
  5. sympathy
  6. friendliness
  7. compassion
  8. cordiality
Noun
  • However, their love for music wins out, and the two develop a life-changing friendship.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In fact, when all is said and done, one of my favorite parts of this season was watching the friendship between Kat and Gen evolve.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of friendship
Noun
  • Lee, meanwhile, is magnificent in a role requiring similar kindness, only laced with loneliness and loss.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Amagda Pérez Amagda Pérez advocates for immigrants and farmworkers with kindness, respect and determination.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • While the eye of the camera presents Cathy’s childhood as objective fact, Lee describes and then reframes his understanding of the past as an adult character in scenes Hoon Lee performs with astounding tenderness and pain.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Rage and tenderness are interwoven in pieces about mothers and daughters; the X’s with which Native leaders signed the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie; and the necessity and fragility of art.
    — Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of tenderness
Noun
  • Jewel-bright macarons and sweets set a tone of abundant generosity at check-in.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The Sun in your 8th House opposes Saturn in your 2nd, highlighting the difference between generosity and taking on more than feels sustainable.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • More recently, Eisenkot has emerged as a figure of solidity and a focus of sympathy.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Shares of Vistra and Talen Energy were up more than 9% Tuesday in sympathy.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • In an act of something like willful, somewhat disturbing friendliness, or a desire not to have to deal with Leo the next time he’s locked out, Clive makes a copy of Leo’s key and installs a lock box by his door.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, continued to caution against overt friendliness.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of friendliness
Noun
  • Caring for themselves gives them greater capacity for empathy, compassion and service.
    — Michael Corvini, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • While introducing the film, Stan reflected on the questions of judgment and need for compassion at the heart of its story.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • Joe Biden rose through the Senate, which required cordiality and the ability to strike deals with rivals.
    — Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The cordiality and handsome looks of the dining room are exquisite reminders of elaborate Milanese design.
    — John Mariani, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of cordiality

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kindlessly
kindliness
kindling
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Cite this Entry

“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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