Definitions

kind

[kahynd] / kaɪnd /

Part of Speech:

All (3) Adjective (1) Noun (2)

Jump To:

generous, good adj.
class, species n.
type, character n.

ADJECTIVE

generous, good

Synonyms

STRONGEST

affectionate amiable charitable compassionate considerate cordial courteous friendly gentle gracious humane kindhearted kindly loving sympathetic thoughtful tolerant

STRONG

humanitarian understanding

WEAK

all heart altruistic amicable beneficent benevolent benign big bleeding-heart bounteous clement congenial eleemosynary good-hearted heart in right place indulgent lenient mild neighborly obliging philanthropic propitious soft touch softhearted tenderhearted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aloof antagonistic cold cool cruel disagreeable discourteous disliking hard harsh hateful inattentive inconsiderate indifferent inhumane mean merciless nasty rough rude severe thoughtless uncaring uncompassionate unfeeling unfriendly unkind unmindful unsociable unsympathetic violent

WEAK

bad bitter ungenerous

NOUN

class, species

Synonyms

STRONGEST

brand set sort type variety

STRONG

breed classification family genus ilk kin order race

NOUN

type, character

Synonyms

STRONGEST

description lot manner nature number set sort style variety way

STRONG

breed connection denomination designation essence fiber habit ilk likes mold persuasion stamp stripe temperament tendency tribe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for kind?

The word kind is most commonly used in two very different ways: as an adjective meaning benevolent and as a noun meaning type. There are several synonyms for each. benevolent Kind is an adjective describing someone (or their actions) as good and benevolent. The adjectives loving and caring can mean the same thing. Synonyms that imply that a person is generally kind include the related words kindly and kindhearted (and the similar words goodhearted, bighearted, warmhearted, and tenderhearted). The term good-natured is sometimes used in this way. Being kind is often thought of as more than simply being polite or nice. (See more about the difference between kind and nice in the section below.) Words that imply an active form of benevolence include charitable, compassionate, and altruistic. Considerate and thoughtful suggest that a person actively thinks about how to treat others well. The word empathetic is often used in this way. type Kind is also commonly used to mean type, as in What kind/type of car are you shopping for? The words class, category, and sort can be used to mean the same thing. The words brand and breed both have more specific meanings, but can also be used in general contexts (often in a slightly figurative way). This is the sense of kind used in one of a kind.

What is a better word for kind?

Kind is a somewhat general term. Perhaps the best substitute for kind is the word that’s the most specific—the one that best fits what you’re trying to describe. Words like charitable, compassionate, and empathetic are all more specific, each suggesting something slightly different about how someone behaves or treats others. Still, if someone is generally kind, this may be simply the best way to describe them.

How is kind different from nice?

Kind and nice are often used as synonyms. However, it’s possible to be nice but not kind. Kindness is often seen as more active and benevolent. Someone who’s considered nice is polite and friendly. But that doesn’t mean they do good things for people or help others. In other words, kind describes people who are benevolent, helpful, and unselfish, while nice typically describes people who are simply pleasant to be around. Of course, the two often overlap.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

kind kinds kinder kindest

“It doesn’t have to be this scary thing. And so, I’ve kind of made it my life’s mission to make spaces like that fun and accessible,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026

“People collect or buy the stuff that they kind of imprinted on when they were younger,” Rabold said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026

Once I read that simple recipe, it changed the way I thought about every kind of genre fiction, including superhero tales like HBO’s “Lanterns.”

From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026

This kind of exercise reduces the amount of weight and force placed on joints.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026

She greets me with a smile and kind eyes.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

Now that the cattle are gone, she’s seeing all kinds of native plants, such as coastal strawberries, Yerba Buena Blue-eyed grass and the Douglas iris with their stunning lavender petals.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026

I realize I’m probably giving Gluck and screenwriter Travis Braun too much credit when I say these are the kinds of questions they wanted viewers to ask.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026

I think the 17-inch steelies look all kinds of boss, actually.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026

"Now that we know that these immune cells actually can get into the brain, we can think about all kinds of new engineering strategies to have those peripheral immune cells do useful things."

From Science Daily ● Aug. 14, 2026

They were laughing and looking around to see what other kinds of fun they could have, and the whole bunch of them were just plain happy.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

But she acknowledges that her distinct approach — kinder, gentler, more tearful — is rooted in her particular skill set: “It’s similar to how I responded to being led in kitchens,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026

The "Country Roads" appeal lies in the way it conveys "a kinder, simpler era with less conflict and division," said Doug Hartmann, a sociology professor at the University of Minnesota.

From Barron's ● Jul. 5, 2026

The practice involves less intensive growing methods to be kinder to the environment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

"If I'd have known this community was out there years ago, I'd have probably been kinder to myself and more accepting that I don't have to conform to any stereotypes."

From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026

I think about what Reverend Hunt said about being kinder to James.

From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone

UFC Brazil reporter Evelyn Rodrigues wrote in the comments: “One of the kindest souls I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing through MMA. Rest in peace, Allan.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026

"I know heaven has the sweetest kindest girl. We will miss you terribly."

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

Inevitable as Funches’ dismissal was, witnessing the quiet camaraderie blossom between him and Rausch was one of the kindest, warmest subplots of an especially ruthless season.

From Salon ● Jun. 20, 2026

"Marcus was one of a kind with the kindest of hearts who would help anyone out he could," they said.

From BBC ● May 15, 2026

Officer Martinez lays out the situation in the fewest, kindest words possible, giving my mom time to ask a handful of frantic questions.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

kind

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words