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

“Going forward, this thing has kind of found bottom,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

Their characters, they’ve decided, can go out in the daytime as long as it’s under heavy fog and if they wear a certain kind of sunscreen.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

On Wednesday, her family described her as "kind, generous and loving".

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

That kind of hedging is the danger of making friends mad.

From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2026

Wristwatches had become fashionable and I enrolled in a school that specialized in this kind of work.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

"We're interested in studying these kinds of planets because we think early Earth might have looked a lot like a lava world."

From Science Daily ● Oct. 7, 2026

If a candidate rents, it may telegraph to a voter where they are on the class spectrum, what generation they’re in and the kinds of affordability challenges they’re dealing with, she said.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026

But much of that is due more to the kinds of broader economic concerns that will start to hit everyone in the market.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

The Three Lions captain has shattered all kinds of records in Bavaria.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

I could just imagine having dinner with the two of them and all kinds of good feelings spilling out of me.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

But audiences were no kinder than critics, grading “Digger” a C+ on opening night, per CinemaScore.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

She says it isn't possible in every industry but where viable "be a bit kinder with your expectations of what you need to do on that first day back in the office."

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

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

We abandoned him to a kinder fate and the dictates of nature.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

She added: "I think it's the kindest initiative ever and we are so very grateful to have something so meaningful gifted to us."

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

Milo Manheim, who played Zed, shared a series of photos with the caption: "Love you Carlaboo, the sweetest, kindest, most loving person."

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026

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

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

Louvenia, she is the purest, kindest person they is.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

kind

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words