compassion

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun compassion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of compassion are commiseration, condolence, pity, and sympathy. While all these words mean "the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another," compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

treats the homeless with great compassion

When might commiseration be a better fit than compassion?

While in some cases nearly identical to compassion, commiseration suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort.

murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters

Where would condolence be a reasonable alternative to compassion?

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

expressed their condolences to the widow

In what contexts can pity take the place of compassion?

In some situations, the words pity and compassion are roughly equivalent. However, pity implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress.

felt pity for the captives

When is sympathy a more appropriate choice than compassion?

The words sympathy and compassion can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of compassion But my first thought was to have compassion for him. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025 The capacity for human judgment informed by both reason and compassion. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 Her journey from being the last waterbender of her tribe to becoming a master shows her determination and compassion, while her healing abilities and fierce protection of her friends balance her warrior spirit. 20. Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025 And just 30 minutes away [on this side of the border], a world of sanity, logic, dignity and compassion. Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compassion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassion
Noun
  • Unsurprisingly, the anti-liberal counterrevolutionaries of today have no sympathy for this legacy.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025
  • As for the tens of thousands of government employees fired or in limbo, Krygier doesn’t have much sympathy.
    Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Those include bullying, friendship, school, kindness/empathy, self-worth/confidence, and mental health/well-being.
    Liz Regalia, Parents, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The capital city of the world’s happiest country exemplifies what makes Finland such an ideal spot for happiness—not just focusing on health or wealth alone, Helsinki places emphasis on things like community, kindness, trust in society, and easy access to nature and green spaces.
    Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Noah Davis’s premature death in 2015, at just 32, deprived the world of a singular talent whose work combined technical mastery with a profound empathy for everyday life.
    Nargess Banks, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Humanitarian aid is based on empathy and the recognition that everyone has a right to live with dignity.
    Chen Reis, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • With tech in one hand and heart in the other, Riri is forced to navigate a new kind of battle—one that challenges her intellect, her upbringing, and her purpose.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 30 Mar. 2025
  • But against a champion like Djokovic, heart and head were not enough.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compassion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassion. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on compassion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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