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kind

[kahynd] / kaɪnd /






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:

"He kind of picks elements of you, or your performance from the past, and uses it within the context of the drama," Brosnan said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2026

His role as a theater director in ‘The Debut,’ isn’t the showstopping kind, but it is made memorable for the actor’s moments of tenacity, anguish and vulnerability.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026

But it means any kind of pay rise could drag you into a higher tax bracket, or see a greater proportion of your income taxed than would otherwise be expected.

From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2026

"What happens if there's no power? What do you do? All those kind of little plans."

From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2026

“Well . . . I . . . yes. I kind of . . . want to go to school.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

This means attending conferences and maintaining recruiter relationships—the kinds of things that people in their late 50s and early 60s too often let lapse when they plan to retire within the decade.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026

There are many kinds of healthy friendships, but probably two kinds of toxic friendships.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 25, 2026

By revealing this previously overlooked structure, the team offers a new way to understand what words communicate and why certain kinds of meaning dominate everyday conversation.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2026

The IT workers we spoke to all agreed that these kinds of serious flaws were going to be uncovered more frequently now that AI tools had become so good at hacking.

From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026

Alexander asked eagerly, for he was the sort of student who enjoyed puzzles and tests of all kinds.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

In the letter, the group urged Thomas to "let fish off the hook and transform the Aberaeron Mackerel Fiesta into a kinder event".

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 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 Actor Awards have been kinder: Bateman won three lead actor statuettes for “Ozark.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026

For one thing, his life was already little better than slavery; for all he knew, the lordly stranger on the great horse might be kinder to him than Arsheesh.

From "The Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis

On Tuesday, it emerged she wrote a letter in 2016 to the New York judge in the Pham case describing him as "one of the kindest, honest, most sincere" people she had known.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

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

That’s just about the kindest thing the congressman has had to say about his would-be successor.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 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

Even the kindest ones are tired of walking her to the nurse’s office.

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart


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