COMPASSION Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

compassion

noun

kəm-ˈpa-shən

Definition of compassion next

as in sympathy

sorrow or the capacity to feel sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune treats the homeless with great compassion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in kindness

the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune has no compassion for people who squander their money

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 The trio is committed to upholding the company’s legacy of compassion, professionalism, and excellence. —

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024 But as Oppenheimer explains it, the tie uniting all three and his filmmaking in general is a sense of compassion and hope. —

Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024 Instead, through a blend of control and compassion — twin traits of any effective master — Adams leaves no doubt the character can bend her man to her will, again. —

Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024 Misinformation hurts understanding, compassion and acceptance Every year, PFLAG Waukesha sets up tables at the Waukesha farmers' market and, every year, Reuss hears from parents and grandparents who want to better understand a transgender person in their lives. —

Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for compassion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassion

Noun

The wave of sympathy toward Mangione and hostility toward CEOs sparked debate about how a set of Americans had come to cheer, or at least condone, wishes of violence hurled toward corporate executives.

Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 Dec. 2024
Online sellers, looking to cash in on the sympathies that some have expressed for Mangione, have drawn criticism.

Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024