1
as in benevolent
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others
a compassionate person by nature
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sympathetic
having or showing the capacity for sharing the feelings of another
a compassionate smile made the refugees feel a little better
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to pity
to have sympathy for
a gentle soul who could compassionate even the most reprobate of scoundrels and villains
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of compassionate
Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
This was the most compassionate thing that could've been done at the time.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Annalisa Merelli, Quartz, 20 Apr. 2023
He was recognized by Duke as being a competitor on the field and compassionate off it.
—J.c. Carnahan, orlandosentinel.com, 16 Dec. 2020
See All Example Sentences for compassionate
Adjective
My observation is that kind, generous, compassionate people are often happy regardless of their material wealth.
—Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
This was the most compassionate thing that could've been done at the time.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
Yet while 67% of white people who are eligible for PrEP are on it, only 8% eligible Black people are, often citing lack of access to healthcare or to compassionate healthcare.
—Annalisa Merelli, Quartz, 20 Apr. 2023
He was recognized by Duke as being a competitor on the field and compassionate off it.
—J.c. Carnahan, orlandosentinel.com, 16 Dec. 2020
See All Example Sentences for compassionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassionate
Adjective
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Snow White was born into a kingdom on the edge of a forest, where happiness flourishes under the benevolent King (Hadley Fraser) and Queen (Lorena Andrea).—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
19 Mar. 2025
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When thinking about quintessential Southern attributes, qualities like hospitable, benevolent, and polite come to mind.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Since June, a group of American and Israeli-born Jews have been meeting every few weeks in New York for a salon-style series of talks that include the perspectives of Palestinians, and of Jews sympathetic to their cause.—
Andrew Silow-Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2025
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Shares in Newsmax, the cable TV news outlet known for its sympathetic coverage of Donald Trump, soared more than 700% on their first day of trading.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Jesse Eisenberg — who wrote, directed, and stars opposite Culkin — is the ostensible protagonist David, Benji’s uptight, socially awkward cousin who envies and pities him in equal measure, but A Real Pain is Culkin’s showcase.—
Rachel Handler,
Vulture,
23 Jan. 2025
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Cue more sofa wails and pitying looks at family gatherings when relatives ask you about your love life.—
Olivia Petter,
Vogue,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The long gap between seasons has not been kind to the show, which returned way down in the ratings this past fall.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2025
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Holly Marie Combs has nothing but kind words for the young Pretty Little Liars cast — and a couple of digs at her twentysomething self.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The talk by Hass, whose empathetic coverage of the Palestinian story has earned her both awards and, especially from the right, outrage, was particularly challenging for many of the 70 people who came to hear her.—
Andrew Silow-Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2025
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Be a more empathetic one Employers were scored on several factors, including DEI initiatives, sustainability, compensation and benefits, training and career development, work-life balance, working environment, company image, mental well-being, job security and corporate culture.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Did those societies became more humane or more resilient?—
Jaron Lanier,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
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The humane society is in the mountain town of Boone, a roughly 85-mile drive west from Winston-Salem.—
Simone Jasper,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Tom Penn’s empathic drumming and Gabriela García’s occasional ethereal singing provide the soundtrack of French Quarter fear and self-loathing, while Medeleine Girling’s set design consists simply of a wood platform roughly 25 by 25 feet across laying on top of cinderblocks.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
12 Mar. 2025
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In her research, Demery had to practice empathic curiosity.—
Esther K. Choy,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
No new technology can replace what a thoughtful culture audit can reveal.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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Raven-Symoné is amazing in the titular role and the costumes are so much fun, but the show also dealt with big issues in a relatable and often humorous and thoughtful way.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Compassionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassionate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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