commiseration

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun commiseration contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of commiseration are compassion, condolence, pity, and sympathy. While all these words mean "the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another," commiseration suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort.

murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters

In what contexts can compassion take the place of commiseration?

The words compassion and commiseration can be used in similar contexts, but compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

treats the homeless with great compassion

When is condolence a more appropriate choice than commiseration?

While the synonyms condolence and commiseration are close in meaning, condolence applies chiefly to formal expression of grief to one who has suffered loss.

expressed their condolences to the widow

When is it sensible to use pity instead of commiseration?

While in some cases nearly identical to commiseration, pity implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress.

felt pity for the captives

When could sympathy be used to replace commiseration?

The words sympathy and commiseration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sympathy often suggests a tender concern but can also imply a power to enter into another's emotional experience of any sort.

went to my best friend for sympathy
in sympathy with her desire to locate her natural parents

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commiseration
Noun
  • Liu doesn’t invite a shred of sympathy for this pitiless mom.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Trump has long expressed sympathy for his supporters accused or found guilty of crimes for their involvement in the riot.
    Olivia Rinaldi, CBS News, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Whether through community service, acts of kindness, or conversations that challenge and inspire, the day is about pushing his vision forward.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The nine characteristics are empathy, perseverance, gratitude, generosity, kindness, justice, honesty, humility and leadership.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In that climate, acts of compassion and humanity become suspicious, even unwelcome.
    Belinda Luscombe, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The interfaith outpouring of compassion and generosity is an example of faith in action, those interviewed say.
    Sophie Hills, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Jan. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Thesaurus Entries Near commiseration

Cite this Entry

“Commiseration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commiseration. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on commiseration

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