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
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The perfect mixture At first glance, Chrono Trigger might look like a fairly stereotypical RPG, from the themes about the power of friendship to the quirky non-human party members.—
Hayes Madsen,
Rolling Stone,
16 Mar. 2025
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The film also explores the budding friendship between two of the filmmakers, Basel Adra, a Palestinian, and Yuval Abraham, an Israeli.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Those include bullying, friendship, school, kindness/empathy, self-worth/confidence, and mental health/well-being.—
Liz Regalia,
Parents,
20 Mar. 2025
-
The capital city of the world’s happiest country exemplifies what makes Finland such an ideal spot for happiness—not just focusing on health or wealth alone, Helsinki places emphasis on things like community, kindness, trust in society, and easy access to nature and green spaces.—
Kaitlyn McInnis,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
According to Omaha Steaks, the cut comes from the short loin of a cow and is prized for its balance of tenderness and flavor.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
-
On one of her bare shoulders, a thumb-size bruise, which Cassidy sees with something like satisfaction, though also tenderness.—
Joyce Carol Oates,
The New Yorker,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Simpson, who was known for bridging partisan divides with his quick wit, was remembered for his generosity.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Still, no one wants to have their generosity assumed.—
R. Eric Thomas,
The Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But the comments section had less sympathy for the irate woman and determined the poster was not in the wrong.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Matt starts garnering sympathy for Hector in the courtroom.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The place has changed hands a few times since, but its quality and friendliness have remained consistent.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
Orlando Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2025
-
The home-listing website listed viable breeds based on size and ranked them based on cleanliness, barking, if the dog can be alone, exercise needs and friendliness to strangers.—
Krystal Nurse,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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As recent entries in the subgenre have proven, there’s plenty of compassion to be squeezed from the slasher genre as well.—
Richard Newby,
The Hollywood Reporter,
14 Mar. 2025
-
And this week, Gordon added the Ed Block Courage Award to his resume, recognized by teammates for his courage, compassion, commitment and community service.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Such cordiality was impossible this time, and Dirk Hauser — head of media for Bayern’s academy then and to this day — had to keep the two men apart, in different parts of the old stadium.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
The Athletic,
27 Dec. 2024
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Hold on to your butts, Samuel L. Jackson is coming after awards season cordiality.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
28 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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