Words of Kindness: Definition, Examples & List

By Sukhman Rekhi, M.A.
​Reviewed by Tchiki Davis, M.A., Ph.D.
Let’s take a look at some words of kindness we can use to bring more kindness to the people in our lives. ​
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We’ve all been there. Spilling coffee on our white shirts before an important meeting at work. Feeling hurt after an argument with a loved one. Failing a test at school that we studied hard for (or maybe didn’t get the chance to study for at all). No matter what situational circumstances or difficult emotions we are going through, life can often be challenging. I have personally found that giving kindness to others not only lifts the spirits of the people around me but helps me feel better too. So let’s get to it. We will discuss what words of kindness are and offer some unique examples of how to use them.
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What Are Words of Kindness? (A Definition)

We may think that saying something nice and saying something kind are the same thing, but kindness is a bit more multifaceted. Let’s use an example. Maybe you’re at a family party that your cousin hosted. She made a huge feast for everyone at the party, but you can tell that she’s exhausted and seems like she might need support. Let’s say your sister is the nice one, but you’re the kind one. What do you think each of you would say to your cousin? Your nice sister might say, “thanks for the food!” But, maybe you say, “it must have taken you so long to make this delicious meal, how can I help you clean up?” Do you see the difference?

Words of niceness are saying agreeable things (which are totally fine comments to give!), but words of kindness often come from a place of care, benevolence, and support (Binfet, 2015). When we say words to be kind, we are offering the receiver of our kindness genuine words that show appreciation, helpfulness, and compassion. Words of kindness come from a deeper goal to give yourself emotionally to others.

TED Talk: The Power of Kindness by Orly Wahba

Words of Kindness for Kids

You may have heard the saying that kids’ brains are akin to sponges—you know, because they absorb everything. Kids may just be tiny tots to all the adults out there, but they may absorb more information than we think. So as much as the young ones in our lives may make a mess in the kitchen or forget to pick up their toys, just like anyone else, kids are deserving of a world of kindness. Here are some words you may want to try using with kids.

  • I noticed your new art on the fridge, you are so creative.
  • I love the way you think.
  • You are beautiful just as you are.
  • You make me smile.
  • I am so proud of you.
  • We are so lucky that you are a part of our family.
  • Always    remember that I believe in you.
  • I know you can do anything you put your mind to.
  • You’re going to be such a great (insert “what they want to be when they grow up” here) one day!
  • You make me feel so happy.
  • I love your stories.
  • That’s such a good idea, tell me more.
  • It’s okay to be sad, do you want to talk about it?
  • My ears are open whenever you need someone to listen.
  • You’re a rockstar!
  • You make me laugh. 
  • You have such a kind heart and a caring personality.
  • I love our hugs.
  • You matter so much to me.
  • I’m so glad I get to be your (insert relationship to the child here).
  • I wouldn’t know what to do without you.
  • You are so important and so loved.

Words of Kindness for a Friend

There’s not much about life that I know definitively. But what I do know is that in this life, people need people. And in my experience, some of my favorite people are my friends. No matter how long we’ve known someone or how close we are to our friends, it’s important to remind them how important they are and continue to show up for them when they need a friend. Here are some words of kindness for these special people in our lives.
​
  • I am so blessed to have you in my life.
  • How lucky was I to cross paths with you?
  • You mean the world to me.
  • Thank you for always being such a warm and caring friend.
  • I wouldn’t want to do this life without you. Thanks for being here.
  • I’m sorry you’re going through such a challenging time. I may not know exactly what you’re feeling, but I can assure you I will be here to help you figure it out. 
  • You always make me smile.
  • My favorite memories are laughing with you.
  • You’re such an amazing person and I am grateful for you.
  • I am here to listen to anything you have to say. 
  • I trust you. 
  • You give the best hugs.
  • Hi, I just wanted to check up on you and see how you were doing.  
  • You are a gift to everyone in your life. Never forget that.
  • I really admire you. 
  • You are perfect as you are.
  • I just want to remind you that you are enough.
  • Your smile always makes me feel safe.
  • You always light up every room you walk into. I’m so glad you’re here
  • I appreciate our friendship so much. 
  • I love how you always bring out the best in people.
  • I always feel safe with you. 
  • I love when we get to spend time together.
  • When I’m feeling down or being hard on myself, I try to think about what you would say to me. That always makes me feel better.
  • I love you. ​

Words of Kindness for Students

No matter how young students may be, learning to balance their home life, friends, and school work can be tough. Whether you are a teacher, a daycare specialist, a parent, an older sibling, or a fellow student yourself, here are some words of kindness for the folks in your life who are in school. 
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  • You are so smart.
  • Can I help you study for the big test coming up?
  • You’re balancing so much and I’m so proud of you.
  • How did your class presentation go?
  • I know school has been hard but I believe in you.
  • I’m sorry you didn’t get the grade you wanted on this assignment. I know next time will be better. 
  • You are such a good friend to the people in your class.
  • It’s okay if you made a mistake. Mistakes are here to help us learn. 
  • You figured it out, I knew you would!
  • Thank you for following instructions.
  • It seems like you really like (insert school subject here). Tell me what your favorite thing about it is.
  • I can tell you gave it your all.
  • I know there is more left in you, don’t give up. 
  • I can’t wait to see you play at the home game this week.
  • Do you need any support for your homework tonight?
  • I can see you are improving, you’re doing such a great job. 
  • What’s going on at school? Do you want to talk?
  • Your ideas and opinions are important and they matter.
  • You make a difference. Thank you for being here. 
  • I always want to hear what you have to say.
  • Hey, come sit next to me!
  • You are welcome and safe in this classroom. ​

Words of Kindness for a Coworker

Whether we see our coworkers in the office every day or they appear in the small Zoom boxes on our screens, we spend a lot of time with the people we work with. While we may think it’s naturally easier to be kind to the people in our personal lives, those who are in our professional worlds deserve kindness too. Here are some words of kindness you may consider using for your coworkers. 

  • I know you have a big project that’s due soon. Is there anything I can support you with?
  • I’m so glad you’re on this team with us.
  • You are so creative.
  • I admire how you lead us and treat everyone with respect.
  • You give amazing advice. 
  • Sometimes on hard days, I like coming to you for positivity. Thanks for making this feel like a great place to work. 
  • Something I appreciate about you is that you always find a way to get things done. And they’re always done so well.
  • I know you’ve been working really hard on this assignment. I hope you have taken some time to take a break too.
  • My workload this week is a bit lower, and I know you have a lot going on. Let me know how I can help!
  • Thanks for taking me under your wing, I’ve learned so much about this job because of you.
  • Thank you for your feedback. It always helps me grow.
  • You are such an invaluable member of this team. We couldn’t do this without you.
  • You’re so awesome to work with. 
  • Your calmness when we are dealing with a crisis is so admirable. How do you do it?
  • I hope to embody how well you perform when you’re under pressure. 
  • Your effort and hard work never goes unnoticed. I hope you know that. 
  • I know we’ve had a lot going on at work lately and haven’t gotten the chance to chat, but I needed to let you know I appreciate how awesome of a colleague you are.
  • Excellent work on that project! It was so impressive. 
  • I can tell how hard you’ve been working on this. It definitely shows. 
  • Can we set up a meeting so I can pick your brain? I have so much to learn from you. 
  • I know this month has been tough for you, but I’m so impressed with how you’re dealing with all of it. If there’s anything you need, I am here.
  • I couldn’t have finished this project without you, thanks for being here for me. 
  • You are so resourceful.
  • Congrats on the new job! I know you’re going to be great. 
  • You inspire me to do more meaningful work.

Video: Coloring the World with Words of Kindness

Are you a visual learner? Take a second to check out this sweet video about the impact kindness can have on those around us.

Words of Kindness Cards

We don’t always have to verbally say kind words aloud—sometimes, we can write them too. If you’re looking for cards with words of kindness and positivity to give away to the people in your life, you may want to check out the below options.

Words of Kindness Quotes

Need some more convincing about the power of words? Here are some words of kindness quotes that may just inspire you.
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  • “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” - Bob Kerrey 
  • “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” - Aesop
  • “I’ve been searching for ways to heal myself and I’ve found that kindness is the best way.” - Lady Gaga 
  • “Good words bring good feelings to the heart. Speak with kindness, always.” - Rod Williams
  • “Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.” - Joseph B. Wirthlin
  • “For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.” - Audrey Hepburn
  • “The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey.” - Sarah Fielding
  • “How do we change the world? One act of kindness at a time.” - Morgan Freeman
  • “If you are not getting kindness, be the one who initiates.” - Emma Xu
  • “Be an encourager. Scatter sunshine. Who knows whose life you might touch with something as simple as a kind word?” - Debbie Macomber  ​

Articles Related to Words of Kindness

​Want to learn more? Check out these articles:

Books on Words of Kindness​

If you’d like to keep learning more, here are a few books that you might be interested in.

Final Thoughts on Words of Kindness

When we use our care and compassion for others through communication, we not only spread kindness to them, but we help create a domino effect that continues the cycle of being kind. Words are merely just one way to express kindness to the people in your life—or maybe even the strangers you see walking down the street. I gently challenge you to recognize someone in your life today and tell them something meaningful and kind. Think about how it makes you feel and try to gauge their reaction, too. We can all do a little bit better to be kind. We hope this article gave you some foundation of how to start. 

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