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
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
Augustus didn’t emerge from uncertain beginnings and civil war through kindliness and good deeds; nor did Jahangir win the throne by patience and piety.
—Maxwell Carter, WSJ, 13 July 2018
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
Mr. McCartney was the exception, radiating aw-shucks kindliness and preaching heartfelt peace and love in many of his songs.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2016
Peggy Noonan, WSJ, 19 Aug. 2021
Augustus didn’t emerge from uncertain beginnings and civil war through kindliness and good deeds; nor did Jahangir win the throne by patience and piety.
—Maxwell Carter, WSJ, 13 July 2018
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
Mr. McCartney was the exception, radiating aw-shucks kindliness and preaching heartfelt peace and love in many of his songs.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindliness
Noun
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Researchers also found that having strong friendships or being part of a close group is associated with higher rates of breakups.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
-
Kate Hudson and Mindy Kaling’s friendship began in classic Hollywood fashion: while being snubbed at an Oscar party.—
Kara Warner,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
By Carol McCloud, Illustrated by David Messing Summary: This book explains clearly and simply how everyone has an invisible bucket that can be filled through small acts of kindness or emptied by acts of thoughtlessness or cruelty.—
Esther K. Choy,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
Among the many points for assessing happiness around the world, like sharing meals with others and family bonds, researchers for the 2025 World Happiness Report looked closely at acts of kindness.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
The title, in Muslim eschatology, refers to a narrow bridge between Paradise and Hell, which is fitting, insofar as Laxe’s movie is both a nightmarish experience and an exhilarating one—a pitiless ordeal that is nonetheless underpinned by extraordinary love and tenderness.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
26 May 2025
-
If there is an archetypal quality to each girl and if this is amplified by the stereotypical nature of their problems, there is enough tenderness in the atmosphere of the shelter to allow each actor to take their foot of the gas and relax into the small and soothing tasks that make up domesticity.—
Sophie Monks Kaufman,
IndieWire,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
28 May 2025
-
What Thornton is striving toward, an embrace of generosity, of humanity being able to change what faith and religion even mean, is often moving.—
Ella Kemp,
IndieWire,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Back home, Ramaphosa briefly enjoyed a wave of sympathy for remaining composed during what was the latest ambush of a foreign leader at the Oval Office.—
Sizwe Mpofu Walsh,
Time,
23 May 2025
-
The Bidens have elicited some sympathy during these hard times.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Ditto his distinctive appearance, trumped only by a persuasive smile that conveyed an innocence and friendliness somewhat at odds with his braggadocio tales and hedonistic tendencies.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
-
Trump-crown prince flaunt friendliness despite controversy Trump kicked off his speech at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum on Tuesday by praising the crown prince and the country of Saudi Arabia for their hospitality and friendship.—
Alex Gangitano,
The Hill,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Neither the writer-director — whose influences here include Mike Leigh, Ken Loach and Gus Van Sant — nor lead Frank Dillane, who acts with a nervy volatility offset by insouciant charm and humor, courts our sympathies, even as the film shows unquestionable compassion.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
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What makes the company stand out, according to its owners, is a blend of artistry, technology and sense of compassion in the grieving process.—
Jessie Schiewe,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
His finest strengths are personality and cordiality, and both were amplified on the stage.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
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As the president expresses agitation toward district judges who block his policies nationwide, Trump so far has maintained more cordiality with Roberts, refusing to attack him personally.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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