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 Commonplace virtues turn toward vice: compassion veers toward deceit, attentive parenting toward either laxity or oppressiveness, friendship toward jealousy or contempt, sociability toward falsehood or cruelty. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2025 One of Hunter’s great gifts as a writer is the simultaneous expansiveness and precision of his compassion. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025 This is a scandalous example of a broken system where common sense and good judgment were overruled by bad advice, lack of compassion, irresponsible fiscal oversight and a litigious culture. Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025 Time is malleable, reality is only a function of our choices, and people can create their own second chances — ideas that Universal Language borrows from Kiarostami’s cinematic library of compassion, and then makes its own. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compassion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassion
Noun
  • But the comments section had less sympathy for the irate woman and determined the poster was not in the wrong.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Matt starts garnering sympathy for Hector in the courtroom.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Beyond baseball, Art was known for his kindness, humor, and deep appreciation for the people around him.
    Daniel Brown, The Athletic, 9 Mar. 2025
  • And for Katelyn, the internet's kindness has arrived exactly at the right time.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Lead With Empathy Leading with empathy is crucial here.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Their commitment to their clients and values of empathy, excellence, curation, and transparency is well-known and well-respected in the industry.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • At the center of it all, John Summit — tanned, smiling, his shirt unbuttoned to a chest level that suggested a regular workout routine — threw up heart hands while manning the cockpit of CDJs before him.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Walls display Black History Month decorations, a tree made of pink paper hearts and posters of historical figures like the Wright brothers and George Washington Carver.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compassion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassion. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on compassion

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