goodness

[good-nis]

noun

1. the state or quality of being good.

   Antonyms: evil

2. moral excellence; virtue.

   Synonyms: probity, honesty, integrity

3. kindly feeling; kindness; generosity.

   Synonyms: humanity, benignity, benevolence

4. excellence of quality.

   goodness of workmanship.

   Synonyms: merit, value, worth

5. the best part of anything; essential property; strength.

6. a euphemism for God.

   Thank goodness!

interjection

1. 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

1. the state or quality of being good

2. generosity; kindness

3. moral excellence; piety; virtue

interjection

1. a euphemism for God

   goodness knows!

   thank goodness!

Other Word Forms

• supergoodness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of goodness¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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

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.

Example Sentences

When we think of Lucy Bronze and Euro 2025, we think 'My goodness, she won a major tournament with a broken leg'.

From BBC

"You can see the cogs turning and them thinking 'oh my goodness me, this could really work for us'."

From BBC

But, goodness, they couldn’t find anyone to drag down Barkley, who blew through them on 78- and 62-yard touchdown runs in the snow after rushing for 255 yards against them in the regular season.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s a jingoistic caricature of benighted American exceptionalism, only now he’s reaching for the light of genuine goodness.

From Salon

“This is the goodness of people right here,” Ansom said, before the finals of the Venice Basketball League kicked off on Sunday night.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• decency 
• friendliness www.thesaurus.com
• generosity 
• good will www.thesaurus.com
• grace 
• graciousness 
• honesty 
• integrity 
• kindness 
• mercy 
• morality 
• righteousness 
• rightness 
• superiority 
• virtue