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

A pivot to the kind of business bolstering Wall Street titans can help regional players weather rising yields.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026

He adapted it from Eiko Kadono’s 1985 children’s novel about a half-witch who strikes out on her own to fulfill a tradition established by her kind.

From Salon ● Jul. 30, 2026

It’s the same vocabulary Purcell itself uses to describe exactly the kind of last-minute disruption that courts have spent 19 years trying to prevent.

From Slate ● Jul. 30, 2026

Coleman's younger brother Tony Nye remembers him as "loving, caring, kind, friendly, funny... an amazing singer, an amazing cook".

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

“That sound! I heard a kind of buzzing.”

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

But part of the safety and familiarity of their collaboration is exploring new kinds of music together.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

“These kinds of financing usually don’t end well,” Goldberg added.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

He adds that Iran's "capacity to produce, at scale, the kinds of missiles, drones and other weapons systems" it needs has been largely destroyed.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

Because the gel can be applied rapidly and produced at scale, the researchers believe it could eventually be incorporated into several kinds of dental products.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 23, 2026

The robot’s computer brain went to work and found that certain kinds of mushrooms were capable of healing the land by absorbing toxic substances.

From "The Wild Robot Protects" by Peter Brown

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

He certainly managed differently than the more mercurial Jobs, setting a kinder, gentler tone.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026

She said Harry had wanted to pursue a career in law and added that he was "a visionary who believed the world could be kinder".

From BBC ● Mar. 13, 2026

She realized that she needed to be kinder to herself and to accept that her grief was completely understandable for someone who’d lost a loved one.

From Slate ● Jan. 30, 2026

Penelope was strongly tempted to leave the admiral where he dangled and let Lord Fredrick and the hounds deal with him, but as usual, her kinder nature prevailed.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

"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

"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

Amma says my appa was the kindest man.

From "Born Behind Bars" by Padma Venkatraman

kind

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

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