as in kindness
sympathetic concern for the well-being of others
volunteers at the shelter tended to all the animals in their care with great tenderness
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Recent Examples of tenderness
Other than a couple moments of tenderness between Tommy and his fiancée, there are no scenes in the first book that challenge our negative perception of Tommy.
—
Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Social attitudes toward black bears fluctuate between admiration, tenderness, and fear.
—Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
For all of his own mutability and tenderness, Dickinson wouldn’t have worked for the role of Mike — his presence is too big.
—Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
There may be a slight tension or tenderness after the operation, but this condition is short-term and temporary.
—Lyssanoel Frater, IndyStar, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenderness
Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Social attitudes toward black bears fluctuate between admiration, tenderness, and fear.
—Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
For all of his own mutability and tenderness, Dickinson wouldn’t have worked for the role of Mike — his presence is too big.
—Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
There may be a slight tension or tenderness after the operation, but this condition is short-term and temporary.
—Lyssanoel Frater, IndyStar, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenderness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenderness
kindness
Noun
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What may seem like a spontaneous act of kindness—or a bargain—can quickly turn into a serious financial and emotional commitment.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
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Her leadership and kindness have made a lasting impact on our school community.—
Erick Trevino,
AZCentral.com,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tenderness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenderness. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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