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

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

“They’re going to interact with the remnants and leftovers of Rachel, especially its moisture, and kind of form a new system that’s going to move over our area,” he added.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

Right now, everyone kind of comes out on a different end in terms of how much they believe powerful industries like private equity and tech can actually change the world for good.

From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2026

What kind of person would I be if I said no?

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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

"These kinds of self-organizing RNA compartments were possibly a step along the way to single-cell organisms," Banerjee says.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 2, 2026

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

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

Two students built beehives in someone’s backyard, using recycled materials, and they planted all kinds of bee-friendly flowers.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

“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

I’m kinder, saying they probably didn’t want to jeopardize the chance of taking us out again now that they’ve gotten some decent footage.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

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

"You was the kindest person I knew with a heart of gold. Do anything for anyone. Loved by everyone who met you. I can't describe how much I will miss you."

From BBC ● Jul. 26, 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

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

It was only lately that he was having small moments of clarity, of illumination, and seeing himself for the first time as the closest of Mary Ann’s enemies, the kindest of her assassins.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

kind

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

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