Synonyms for

Goodness

Verb / ˈgʊdnʌs / / ˈgʊdnɪs / Another word for goodness — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the quality of being good; moral excellence; kindness

Synonyms & similar words

good badness evilness bad evil virtue goodwill decency righteousness kindness morality honesty integrity uprightness rectitude beneficence benevolence charity compassion generosity good-heartedness helpfulness mercy purity sincerity

Synonyms by register

Formal

virtue excellence merit righteousness

Informal

great awesome cool fantastic

Literary

virtue grace benevolence

Antonyms

evil badness wickedness malice atrocity villainy

Common collocations

  • for goodness sake
  • goodness knows
  • my goodness
  • goodness gracious
  • goodness me
  • goodness only knows

Word family

noun goodness
adjective good
adverb well

Usage note

Goodness is often used as an exclamation, particularly in phrases like 'for goodness sake'. It can also refer to the quality of being good or virtuous.

Example sentences

  1. The goodness of the soup warmed the children's bellies.
  2. Her goodness towards others made her a beloved member of the community.
  3. We need more goodness in the world.
  4. Sometimes people mistake kindness for weakness, but goodness is not weak.
  5. The goodness of the company's actions will affect their reputation.

Quotes

  • Goodness is the only investment that never fails. - Henry David Thoreau
  • Goodness is about character - integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people. - Dennis Prager
  • The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching. - John Wooden

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