commiseration

noun

com·​mis·​er·​a·​tion kə-ˌmi-zə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce commiseration (audio)
plural -s
Synonyms of commiserationnext
: the act of commiserating : the feeling or showing of sorrow or the expression of condolence for the wants or distresses of another
an adult who falls on the street is the object of … commiserationAgnes Repplier

Word History

Etymology

Middle French commisération, from Latin commiseration-, commiseratio part of an oration intended to excite compassion, from commiseratus + -ion-, -io -ion

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Cite this Entry

“Commiseration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commiseration. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

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