View synonyms for goodness

goodness

[ good-nis ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the state or quality of being good.
Antonyms: evil
moral excellence; virtue.
Synonyms: probity, honesty, integrity
kindly feeling; kindness; generosity.
Synonyms: humanity, benignity, benevolence
excellence of quality:
goodness of workmanship.
Synonyms: merit, value, worth
the best part of anything; essential property; strength.
a euphemism for God:
Thank goodness!

interjection

Also goodness gracious. (used in expressions of surprise, alarm, etc.):
Goodness, you gave me a start!
Goodness gracious, this article is so badly written!

goodness

/ ˈɡʊdnɪs /

noun

the state or quality of being good
generosity; kindness
moral excellence; piety; virtue

interjection

a euphemism for God
goodness knows!
thank goodness!

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Other Words From

su·per·good·ness noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of goodness¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English gōdnes; good, -ness

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Idioms and Phrases

for the sake of
god (goodness) knows
honest to god (goodness)
my god (goodness

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Synonym Study

Goodness, morality, virtue refer to qualities of character or conduct that entitle the possessor to approval and esteem. Goodness is the simple word for the general quality recognized in character or conduct: Many could tell of her goodness and kindness. Morality implies conformity to the recognized standards of right conduct: a citizen of the highest morality. Virtue is a rather formal word, and suggests usually goodness that is consciously or steadily maintained, often in spite of temptations or evil influences: of unassailable virtue; firm and of unwavering virtue.

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Example Sentences

She was captivated by the goodness of Atticus Finch both as a father and a lawyer.

From BBC

That was part of my worry about that, like, oh my goodness — this is something I sat down and watched with my family.

From Salon

"The statutory inquiry is due to begin shortly, thank goodness," she said.

From BBC

She said she was struggling to trust others and trying to see the goodness in the world.

From BBC

The longer version of “Cursed Child” had more time to delve into Scorpius’ fears about his own identity, including the question of whether goodness and badness might be inherited traits.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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