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
com·pas·sion·ate
kəm-ˈpa-shə-ˌnāt
compassionated; compassionating
: pity
… even compassionating those who hold in bondage their fellow men …—
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy AdamsExamples 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
Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 20 June 2025
Through his characters, Fellowes communicates his approval for a more compassionate and inclusive upper crust.
—Judy Berman, Time, 20 June 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
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.
Adjective
This, for me, is a viable and compassionate way of supporting your people — those, like Griselda best said, who are the ones consuming your music and buying your concert ticket.
—Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 20 June 2025
Through his characters, Fellowes communicates his approval for a more compassionate and inclusive upper crust.
—Judy Berman, Time, 20 June 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
Cite this Entry
“Compassionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compassionate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share