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kind

[kahynd] / kaɪnd /






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:

"Families who are experiencing that kind of poverty are likely to be going without many of the basics."

From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026

“Change is kind of like that,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 24, 2026

“I don’t think we can say with any kind of conviction that there will be no ballots rejected,” said Tammy Patrick, chief programs officer of the National Association of Election Officials.

From Salon ● Oct. 24, 2026

As Wasow and other researchers have found, a heavy-handed police response—like the kind that happened during the Civil Rights Movement and has already happened in France—can engender public sympathy.

From Slate ● Oct. 24, 2026

How could this simple little soul help with the kind of need we faced?

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Everything will have been done to avoid those kinds of missteps on the 2026 Caribbean tour.

From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026

By revealing this previously overlooked structure, the team offers a new way to understand what words communicate and why certain kinds of meaning dominate everyday conversation.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2026

But Warsame isn’t deterred, seeing “at least two movies a week” and hoping for more rereleases of studio films and midnight movies of all kinds.

From Salon ● Oct. 22, 2026

“Being a short hitter you have to use the hand, hit off the block and find different kinds of shots,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 18, 2026

“I hope you have not been reading the newspapers, Penny! They seem to print all kinds of inaccuracies nowadays.”

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

This breezy romp is a refreshing change from overwrought epics and anxiously earnest stories-with-a-message; Ibbotson’s offbeat, cozy prose reads like a daffier Ms. Rowling or a kinder Roald Dahl.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026

The kinder her words, the harder I cried.

From "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson

In a family tribute on Wednesday, Eleanor was described by her family as the "kindest, most loving, bravest person in the world".

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2026

The oncology team said the kindest route was to sedate Flora, but the palliative care team wanted to give the pain relief more time to take effect.

From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026

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

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

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

The Cabby, however, obviously the bravest as well as the kindest person present, was keeping close to the horse, dodging this way and that to avoid the bar, but still trying to catch Strawberry’s head.

From "The Magician's Nephew" by C. S. Lewis


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