compassionate

1 of 2

adjective

com·​pas·​sion·​ate kəm-ˈpa-sh(ə-)nət 

1

: having or showing compassion : sympathetic

a compassionate friend

a compassionate smile

2

: granted because of unusual distressing circumstances affecting an individual

—used of some military privileges (such as leave)

The soldier was granted compassionate leave following the death of his father.

compassionately adverb

compassionateness noun

compassionate

2 of 2

verb

com·​pas·​sion·​ate kəm-ˈpa-shə-ˌnāt 

compassionated; compassionating

transitive verb

: pity

… even compassionating those who hold in bondage their fellow men …

—John Quincy Adams

Synonyms

Adjective

• benevolent
• kind
• humane
• sympathetic
• thoughtful
• gentle
• gracious
• friendly
• merciful

Verb

• pity

Examples of compassionate in a Sentence

Adjective

a compassionate person by nature

a compassionate smile made the refugees feel a little better

Verb

a gentle soul who could compassionate even the most reprobate of scoundrels and villains

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Talk through what’s bothering you to gain a compassionate perspective. —Usa Today, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025

Advertisement Del Toro, on the other hand, portrays the Creature as a far more empathetic and compassionate figure. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 17 Oct. 2025

Verb

Modern Legal is not only a firm dedicated to compassionate legal advocacy but also underscores the critical role of education in empowering individuals. —Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025

The solution is to shift from empathy to compassionate accountability: Instead of feeling with the person, focus on walking beside them while holding the line. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see compassion

Verb

see compassion

First Known Use

Adjective

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1592, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing compassionate

• compassionate leave

Rhymes for compassionate

• dispassionate
• passionate