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

As if that’s not enticing enough, the bright citrusy granola also boasts unsweetened coconut, puffed amaranth, chia seeds, and flaxseed meal for lots of layers of nutty, earthy goodness. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 6 Nov. 2024

That mindful goodness, paired with the cool breeze through my open-air treatment room and the sound of the water around me, created the most blissful experience that just melted away my stressful travel day. —Alessandra Amodio, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024

Plans were stymied, alas, but thank goodness for rain! —Erik Kain, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Jeffrey and Sandy Williams, portrayed by Laura Dern, on the other hand, at times deliver dialogue that borders on saccharine goodness. —Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 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