Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for kind. Search instead for kindes.
Definitions

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:

"Gavin is so great at what he does, I felt a lot of pressure to kind of prove that. It didn't really show within the first two weeks, which is normal."

From BBC Sep. 2, 2026

We ought to have a ticker-tape parade for that kind of conclusion.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 2, 2026

That’s far enough from the American mainstream to be newsworthy, but it’s not the kind of news Weiss wants to make.

From Salon Sep. 2, 2026

“We just kind of sat down with this, do we really want to be homeowners right now? Or did it just feel like the world is telling us we should be,” Natalie Slagle, 35, said.

From MarketWatch Sep. 2, 2026

Janet was fairly sure that Reiki was Japanese, Wicca was British, and yoga came from a different kind of Indian, but her mother had no time for such trivialities.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

And then you’ve got the growth of prediction markets and all kinds of wild investing strategies.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 2, 2026

"We see these kinds of events only a few times, if any, per decade."

From Science Daily Sep. 1, 2026

Alternative assets of all kinds have seen a surge, not just Pokémon cards.

From Slate Aug. 31, 2026

You can mix up the kinds of stocks you own: technology versus consumer goods, for example, or overseas versus U.S. companies.

From MarketWatch Aug. 29, 2026

There was no question but that it was real, because it twisted in the coat and scraped panically at him with two different kinds of claws.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

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

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 tried to make my tone kinder — I could guess what his honesty must cost him.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

I also struggled over the agonising decision I'd made to put her to sleep, even though I knew it was the kindest thing for her.

From BBC Aug. 15, 2026

"I know heaven has the sweetest kindest girl. We will miss you terribly."

From BBC Jul. 22, 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

But then Viola, who is the kindest of the bunch, whispered, “We missed you too, Ida B.”

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training