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 movie is so much about figuring out what kind of person you want to be.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

In the same way that regional brands like Shake Shack and In-N-Out have maintained cult followings for their novelty, Cane’s has no doubt benefited from the same kind of rarefied air.

From Slate ● Aug. 24, 2026

“People think, ‘My everyday life is normal, but I can be a different kind of person if I have the courage to do this,’ ” Anderson says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

Three years ago, fans of the Philadelphia Phillies famously buoyed the spirits of underperforming shortstop Trea Turner by giving him the same kind of standing ovation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026

The first time I came over to her house and saw how she treated the staff, though, I knew she was my kind of girl.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

"Differences in their structure tell us about what kinds of environments a species lived in and how it fed."

From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026

“Those kinds of risks could be unpalatable to many of your investors,” said Rajan.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

Lillian Karabaic shares some advice for dealing with these kinds of persistent fantasies.

From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026

It is better to be transparent and truthful in situations like this because ultimately these kinds of issues come to the surface sooner or later.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 20, 2026

She wouldn’t be in her playhouse five minutes until all kinds of wild birds would come winging in from the mountains.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

“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

"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

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

It might be kinder to leave her where she is till they’re over.”

From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling

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 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

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

“Thank you for helping me. You always were the kindest boy I ever knew. Come. Let’s get out of here as quickly as possible. After all these years, the Sisters still give me the shivers.”

From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill

kind

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

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