Goodness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈgu̇d-nəs/ good·ness

Meaning & Definition of Goodness

Goodness (noun)

  1. the quality or state of being good
  2. —used interjectionally or in phrases especially to express mild surprise or shock
  3. the nutritious, flavorful, or beneficial part of something

Goodness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong

    "a person of such unaffected goodness that his friends were inspired to lead better lives"

    similar: character, decency, honesty, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, rightness, uprightness, virtue, virtuousness
    related: high-mindedness, honor, incorruptibility, irreproachability, irreproachableness, right-mindedness, scrupulosity, scrupulousness, appropriateness, correctness, decorousness, decorum, etiquette, fitness, propriety, seemliness, ethics, morals
    opposite: badness, evil, evildoing, immorality, iniquity, sin, villainy, wickedness
    near: impropriety, indecency, indecorum, indiscretion, debauchery, degeneracy, degradation, depravity, perversion, pervertedness, sinfulness, crookedness, dishonesty, underhandedness, unscrupulousness, lowness, meanness, viciousness, vileness, corruption

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Goodness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Goodness:

character, decency, honesty, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, rightness, uprightness, virtue, virtuousness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Goodness

Words with the opposite meaning of Goodness:

badness, evil, evildoing, immorality, iniquity, sin, villainy, wickedness

Related Words for Goodness

high-mindedness, honor, incorruptibility, irreproachability, irreproachableness, right-mindedness, scrupulosity, scrupulousness, appropriateness, correctness, decorousness, decorum, etiquette, fitness, propriety, seemliness, ethics, morals

Near Antonyms of Goodness

impropriety, indecency, indecorum, indiscretion, debauchery, degeneracy, degradation, depravity, perversion, pervertedness, sinfulness, crookedness, dishonesty, underhandedness, unscrupulousness, lowness, meanness, viciousness, vileness, corruption

Origin & Etymology of Goodness

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Goodness

Words & Phrases Containing Goodness

goodness of fit, goodness knows, for goodness' sake, honest-to-goodness, My goodness, out of the goodness of one's heart, thank God/goodness/heaven(s)/the Lord

Frequently Asked Questions about Goodness

What does "Goodness" mean?

"Goodness" means the quality or state of being good. As a noun, it is defined as: the quality or state of being good.

What is another word for "Goodness"?

Other words for "Goodness" include character, decency, honesty, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude and righteousness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Goodness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Goodness"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Goodness". Common alternatives include character, decency, honesty, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, rightness and uprightness.

What is the opposite of "Goodness"?

Antonyms of "Goodness" include badness, evil, evildoing, immorality, iniquity, sin, villainy and wickedness. Near antonyms include impropriety, indecency, indecorum and indiscretion.

How do you use "Goodness" in a sentence?

Examples of "Goodness" in a sentence: "a person of such unaffected goodness that his friends were inspired to lead better lives".

Is "Goodness" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Goodness" is a noun.

Is "Goodness" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Goodness" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Goodness"?

"Goodness" is pronounced /ˈgu̇d-nəs/ and divided into syllables as good·ness.