commiserate (with) 1 of 2

verb

kə-ˈmi-zə-ˌrāt How to pronounce commiserate (with) (audio)
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

commiseration

2 of 2

noun

1
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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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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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commiserate (with)
  1. pity
  2. sympathy
  3. kindness
  4. compassion
Verb
  • 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
  • Cue more sofa wails and pitying looks at family gatherings when relatives ask you about your love life.
    — Olivia Petter, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of pity
Noun
  • 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
  • Unsurprisingly, the anti-liberal counterrevolutionaries of today have no sympathy for this legacy.
    — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of sympathy
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
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Founded on principles of compassion, their treatments blend clinical psychology and Eastern philosophy together, which many have found to be a beneficial approach.
    — Kara Markley Sterling, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The woman shows compassion through her commitment to the dog, but her husband interprets this as emotional neglect towards their relationship.
    — Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of compassion
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.

Browse Nearby Words

commiserates (with)
commiserate (with)
commiserating
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Cite this Entry

“Commiserate (with).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commiserate%20%28with%29. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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