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

“The way all these bases are being built is a kind of reflection for the sad fact that Israel actually has no strategy,” said Michael Milshtein, a former Israeli military intelligence officer.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

A pen portrait from Germeney's mother, read out at the beginning of the inquest by the coroner, said Germeney and the children were "our complete world" and "were beautiful, funny, extremely kind, loving and caring".

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

"I kind of like the mentality we had in World War II, which was win, which was understand when the enemy attacks you, you need to stand your ground," Hegseth said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026

When the VIX spikes above 30, that has historically been the kind of environment where long-term investors should start looking for opportunities rather than running for cover.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 8, 2026

Standing next to my mom is a small-framed Black woman with a kind smile and a determined gaze.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

But plague has, for a very long time, been shorthand for various kinds of bad news.

From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2026

Meanwhile, the threat of higher rates and rising costs is dragging on share prices for all kinds of businesses.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 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

The data collected by satellites of all kinds is increasingly woven into everyday life.

From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026

Mom had asked Bat what kinds of food Israel liked and what he liked to do for fun, but Bat didn’t have any answers.

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold

“I see the world as a much kinder place than I thought it was.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 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

A breakthrough drug for ovarian cancer that is kinder on the body and extends lives is now available on the NHS.

From BBC ● Jun. 3, 2026

Would I emerge kinder, more resilient—or plagued with unexpected self-consciousness about one of the few areas of my life for which I haven’t felt self-conscious?

From Slate ● May 10, 2026

And your voice is a little kinder then, like maybe you feel a little bit sorry.

From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin

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

I also struggled over the agonising decision I'd made to put her to sleep, even though I knew it was the kindest thing for her.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026

"Who would want to harm Brian? He was the nicest, kindest person you could ever imagine," he said.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

His “Peaky Blinders” co-star Cillian Murphy remembered Neill as “one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people, and one of the finest actors,” while Nicole Kidman celebrated Neill as “one of the greats.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026

She smiled as if that were the kindest thing in the world, but I couldn’t smile back.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

kind

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

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