COMMISERATE (WITH) Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

commiserate (with) 1 of 2

verb

kə-ˈmi-zə-ˌrāt

Definition of commiserate (with) next

as in to pity

to have sympathy for we commiserated with him but there was little we could do to make the situation better

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commiseration

2 of 2

noun

as in sympathy

sorrow or the capacity to feel sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune letters of commiseration sent to the hospitalized student

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as in kindness

the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune a heartless businessman with no commiseration for the less fortunate

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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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commiserate (with)

Verb

Cue more sofa wails and pitying looks at family gatherings when relatives ask you about your love life.

— Olivia Petter, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024
Gi-hun and Jun-ho’s simultaneous searches have been equally unsuccessful, and the people in their lives seem to pity them.

— Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024

Definition of pity

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.

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“Commiserate (with).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commiserate%20%28with%29. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 16 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of commiserate (with)

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