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
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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
-
Lavigne maintains a close friendship with Richard’s granddaughter and continues working with the Smithsonian on projects that preserve and celebrate Richard’s contributions.—
Sughnen Yongo,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
The Sharknado star reflected on the early days of his friendship with Doherty while starring together on Beverly Hills, 90210, which ran from 10 seasons from 1990 to 2000.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Lunches, meetings, phone calls, always Mark’s delicious southern drawl infusing us with his spirit and kindness.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
7 July 2025
-
Politeness and kindness are attributes that parents want to reinforce and encourage in their children.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Parents,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
This step deeply seasons the meat while ensuring tenderness.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
-
The Brisk It brisket came in second, with lots of compliments on its tenderness and taste.—
Chris Morris,
Fortune,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
Hospitality, for us, is a reflection of our values—warmth, generosity, and community.—
Chelsea Davis,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
-
In the past week, The Athletic tried to do justice to both Diogo’s remarkable talent as a player and the qualities which made so many people warm to him: his spirit, generosity and determination.—
Andrew Fifield,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
No doubt, Purvis is dealing with a lot, but Harris’ mother expressed no sympathy.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
9 July 2025
-
The new executive order comes at a time when popular sympathy for migrants has wavered, and when the political party traditionally allied with immigrants has shown a willingness to approach immigration policy from a new consensus.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Most of us rely on visual shortcuts, such as bright colors that might suggest warmth or friendliness, while dark, edgy imagery might be read as rebellious or intense.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
-
Now able to delegate most responsibilities to her staff, Trish credits her business’ growth and longevity to friendliness and empathy.—
Bradley Hohulin,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Stripped of her powers under a red sun, Supergirl must rely on her grit, compassion and wits to guide Ruthye on a path of vengeance and justice, ultimately confronting the nature of violence and power.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
12 July 2025
-
To many of them, advancing Christian dominance matters more than human compassion.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
But while Trump and Putin speak of each other with cordiality, relations are testier between the two countries than the rhetoric would indicate.—
Astha Rajvanshi,
NBC news,
26 May 2025
-
His finest strengths are personality and cordiality, and both were amplified on the stage.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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