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

So, it’s important … that he’s kind of found something to kind of hang his hat on.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026

“It’s kind of like a time machine,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026

Think of it instead as a very light weekend project, the kind you can tend occasionally while doing something else nearby.

From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026

This kind of exercise reduces the amount of weight and force placed on joints.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026

I said at the beginning that you could decide for yourself what kind of luck he had at the end.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman

I realize I’m probably giving Gluck and screenwriter Travis Braun too much credit when I say these are the kinds of questions they wanted viewers to ask.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026

Reddit said in a statement that marketers should be skeptical of any agency that promises Reddit as a means to AI visibility or other kinds of internet optimization.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

While no agency tracks these cases nationwide, three firms that help secure these kinds of residences said interest in so-called golden visas has skyrocketed in the past five years.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

Going beyond that "creates all kinds of compounding problems that the Navy then has to deal with down the line."

From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026

“I tend to be very conservative in these kinds of statements because I hate fearmongering,” says Dr. Axel Moehrenschlager.

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh

But she acknowledges that her distinct approach — kinder, gentler, more tearful — is rooted in her particular skill set: “It’s similar to how I responded to being led in kitchens,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 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 practice involves less intensive growing methods to be kinder to the environment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 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

Ever since we came here, Papa is kinder to him and tries to help him with his school-work.

From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani

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

"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

The owner was the kindest man I had ever met and his son followed in his footsteps.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026

She said that he had thick white hair, soft, almost like a baby’s, and the kindest eyes she had ever seen.

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry

kind

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words