Definitions

kind

[kahynd] / kaɪnd /

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

Now he’s looking for that kind of “momentum,” to solve this most stubborn of abuses.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

Last month, Royal Marine Commandos boarded a Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker in the English Channel in a six-hour operation which was the first of its kind by UK armed forces.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

I just want you to shift the narrative from “I don’t want to do this anymore” to “This is the kind of job I think would make me happy.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026

Manchester has become a kind of cultural capital of cool in recent decades, home to global musical acts like Oasis and the Stone Roses.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

Hesterfowl’s beady eyes darkened, a storm rolling over her expression—the kind of green-black skies that sent squirrels and insects fleeing for cover.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

It is rare that these kinds of cases end up in court.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

Inside the Hidden Valley headquarters in Oakland, Calif., Higgins and his colleagues study all kinds of food and ask themselves a simple question: Will it ranch?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

All kinds of people in chemistry use it.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026

"You look at the kinds of individuals that are winning our recent primaries," he added.

From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026

At the far end of the south wing was the maker space, filled with “supplies” a.k.a. “garbage” of all kinds.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste

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

"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

The Actor Awards have been kinder: Bateman won three lead actor statuettes for “Ozark.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026

He certainly managed differently than the more mercurial Jobs, setting a kinder, gentler tone.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026

Gentle Mother, strength of women, help our daughters through this fray, soothe,the wrath and tame the fury, teach us all a kinder way.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

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

Within hours, Claire was in touch with some of the kindest top cancer minds in the country.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 2026

Palmer worked for Seymour at the time and saw his “regular guy” boss give “one of the kindest and most gracious concession speeches I’ve ever heard.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 29, 2026

If it’s uncomfortable or unsustainable to live with continuously, ask your body why — and how it can help you make decisions that are the kindest possible to your nervous system.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 10, 2026

Amma says my appa was the kindest man.

From "Born Behind Bars" by Padma Venkatraman

kind

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words