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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word kind distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of kind are character, description, nature, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

Where would character be a reasonable alternative to kind?

The synonyms character and kind are sometimes interchangeable, but character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When could description be used to replace kind?

While the synonyms description and kind are close in meaning, description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When would nature be a good substitute for kind?

While in some cases nearly identical to kind, nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When can sort be used instead of kind?

The words sort and kind can be used in similar contexts, but sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

When is it sensible to use type instead of kind?

Although the words type and kind have much in common, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of kind
Adjective
After Lazio at the weekend, the algorithm gets kinder. James Horncastle, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025 Thank you for being so amazing and so kind! Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
This recall isn’t the first of its kind this year. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025 Soon enough, each player on the ice for both teams was either involved in a scrum or a shoving match of some kind. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kind
Adjective
  • Here, the researchers recommend a multidisciplinary, compassionate approach to NCGS intervention.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Clear goals, tracking, & communication between local agencies create a lasting, compassionate and impactful response to support the most vulnerable.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For a thoughtful gift, package Joanna Gaines’ vanilla sugar with a bag of coffee beans, a cute mug, or a small French press to create a complete coffee kit.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
  • For families who value that approach, Carruth’s books offer a thoughtful and accessible way to encourage shared reading and meaningful connection.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The short war in Cuba gained the United States the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico; turned the nation into a Pacific power; and created beliefs that America was a stern yet benevolent country tasked by Destiny to enforce peace and bring prosperity to the world.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Since that time, says Paine, even those fortunate enough to live under benevolent rule have seldom been more than one generation away from yet another dreadful monarch.
    Matthew Redmond, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Only four minutes later, Kilman tried to pass around Aaronson, but gave it straight to the attentive No 11.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Even as Wall Street analysts complained that Costco ought to be more attentive to shareholders, its strategy appeared to be working.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The entire city of New York — Jets and Giants combined — has totaled 76 wins of any sort since 2018.
    Sam McDowell October 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The video then shows scenes of adult Glinda — played by Ariana Grande — embracing her new role as Glinda the Good, serving as a spokes-witch of sorts for The Wizard of Oz and his agenda.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Before making landfall on Tuesday, Melissa reached Category 5 status, the highest category on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
    Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Every year, France is behind so many movies submitted for the international feature film category at the Oscars.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Also, what a great thing to get to be a sweet, sympathetic character at the end who also can’t forgive himself.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This monster is the precursor to slasher villains like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees, who lumber along on their killing sprees, though this blueprint is far more sympathetic.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And someone who is a great listener, respectful, caring, chilled out, someone who supports my dreams – and is cool with my chaos!
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • In a GoFundMe created on behalf of Terri’s family to pay for funeral expenses, the grandmother was remembered as a loving and caring person.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Kind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kind. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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