kindly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkīn(d)-lē How to pronounce kindly (audio)
Definition of kindlynext
1
as in kind
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others brought homemade chicken soup out of kindly concern for my health

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2
as in helpful
promoting or contributing to personal or social well-being a vegetarian diet can be very kindly to a person hoping to lose a few pounds

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

kindly

2 of 2

adverb

1
as in nicely
with good reason or courtesy would you kindly hand me the scissors?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pretty
chiefly Southern to some degree or extent their visit was kindly a surprise

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 kindly
Adjective
Joe Negri, a jazz guitarist best known to generations of children and their parents as the kindly, music-loving handyman of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, died Saturday, May 30, at a senior living facility outside Pittsburgh. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 June 2026 Other kindly ushers, who had directed people to an adjacent section after Section 535 filled up, politely asked everyone to please put their shirts back on before returning to the general stadium population. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Adverb
Instead, a server kindly brought me a double shot and a menu. — Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2026 There, the producers were running the show and Andy was kind of like the kindly headmaster, but none of that was there now. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for kindly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindly
  1. kind
  2. helpful
  3. nicely
  4. pretty
  5. compassionate
  6. beneficial
  7. thoughtfully
  8. quite
Adjective
  • So his church—which has raised many millions of dollars for good causes, and operates a local food pantry and food truck—decided to distribute lawn signs simply encouraging people to be kind.
    — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Engler said even in her early days of stardom, Parton was always kind and pleasant.
    — Jessica Guay, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of kind
Adjective
  • The dismissals varied but building a middle order capable of withstanding a spin barrage in helpful conditions is fundamental to England’s ambitions overseas.
    — Ben Jones, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • One element his past as a scary maze operator was especially helpful for is the jump scares the series is known for.
    — William Earl, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of helpful
Adverb
  • These colors all pair nicely with whites, beiges, and soft browns, too.
    — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 2026
  • And this does the latter quite nicely, the classic claret and blue along with a gold trim offsets the whole thing rather well.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of nicely
Adverb
  • This pretty green bottle holds a luxe Korean formula inspired by their iconic scalp treatments.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Another angle to factor in is that Baltimore and Cincinnati have pretty low floors.
    — Austin Mock, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of pretty
Adjective
  • Clancy was an attentive mother and a compassionate nurse, said Margaret Hamp, a nurse who worked with the defendant.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • His friends in Hawaii remember him as thoughtful, kind, and compassionate.
    — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • During periods of heightened pressure, the initial response can be beneficial.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • There are lots of different types of sauerkraut out there that may be beneficial for your health.
    — Amanda Doyle, HEALTH, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of beneficial
Adverb
  • Each room is thoughtfully designed for travelers looking to unwind—luxurious beds, tasteful lighting, boho-minimal decor, and plentiful smart storage.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Vintage frames and art can add charm and set the tone for a room when styled thoughtfully.
    — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of thoughtfully
Adverb
  • The currents in the sea mean that swimming with small children or weak swimmers can be quite unrelaxing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Jacquelyn is quite private and has no social media accounts.
    — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of quite

Phrases Containing kindly

Browse Nearby Words

kindlings
kindly
kindness
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Cite this Entry

“Kindly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindly. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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