goodness

noun

good·​ness ˈgu̇d-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being good

2

—used interjectionally or in phrases especially to express mild surprise or shock

oh, my goodness!

goodness knows

3

: the nutritious, flavorful, or beneficial part of something

Synonyms

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

Examples of goodness in a Sentence

Even if you don't agree, at least have the goodness to be polite!

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Rosie suggests the addition of a graham sprinkle, which adds that extra little bit of texture to all that creamy goodness. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 23 May 2024

Made with cinnamon and three times the garden-fresh goodness, what's not to love? —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2024

The child of Warwickshire could not disguise her contempt for the notion that rural workers were natural incarnations of goodness. —Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024

Thank goodness the Supreme Court put President Trump back on the ballot, so that the American people can democratically elect the President of their choice. —Baltimore Sun Media, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing goodness

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