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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:

Kyiv says it initially held off responding in kind but has since resumed its own strikes.

From Barron's ● Oct. 20, 2026

"I'm from the Isle of Man so it kind of felt like sister islands in a way. Very similar apart from the fact everyone speaks Welsh," he said.

From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026

It’s similar to making any other kind of film.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026

When he talked with the Jewish American caucus, he had a more reserved, “I’m here to listen” kind of energy.

From Slate ● Oct. 19, 2026

She’s a kind, ratchet-music-loving goofball with an A average.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

Both kinds of calls netted agreement from a little over 50% of both strangers and friends.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said he had discussed Starlink on Thursday with Macron, and "how we, as Europeans, can provide more of these kinds of services in the not too distant future".

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

Those kinds of things make him into a character when the reality is he has massive access to power.

From Salon ● Oct. 16, 2026

You in a Ronnie Dunn costume must have stirred up all kinds of confused feelings in people too.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026

Necessities of all kinds were also in short supply near the stricken coast.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

But audiences were no kinder than critics, grading “Digger” a C+ on opening night, per CinemaScore.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

She says it isn't possible in every industry but where viable "be a bit kinder with your expectations of what you need to do on that first day back in the office."

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 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 Actor Awards have been kinder: Bateman won three lead actor statuettes for “Ozark.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026

Right away they smelled that Isaac was the kinder one and directed all their chatter to him.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline

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

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

Brandreth described Dame Penelope as one of the nicest and kindest people.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 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

While the story was being told, they heard it without any of the reserve or detachment that the kindest of civilized humans retains as he reads his newspaper.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams


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