compassionate

adjective

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

Definition of compassionate

(Entry 1 of 2)

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.

compassionate

verb

com·pas·sion·ate | \ kəm-ˈpa-shə-ˌnāt

compassionated; compassionating

Definition of compassionate (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: pity … even compassionating those who hold in bondage their fellow men …— John Quincy Adams

Other Words from compassionate Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about compassionate

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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

Kazovsky, for instance, is a Pisces Sun, a Cancer Rising, and a Scorpio Moon, and describes herself as compassionate, emotional, and with an active imagination. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, "Baby, What’s Your Sign? This Label Is Channeling the Spirit of the Zodiac in Thoughtful New Ways," 26 Apr. 2019 Zahra’s family submitted a request to Biogen for a discount or compassionate use of Spinraza in October. — Sumathi Reddy, WSJ, "One Family’s Struggle to Get Their Daughter Lifesaving Medication," 20 Jan. 2019 Caplan serves as an unpaid chair of a compassionate use advisory committee based at New York University and funded by Janssen, which is a division of Johnson & Johnson. — Sarah Jane Tribble, Washington Post, "Top Policy Expert’s Ties To Giant Drugmaker Often Go Unstated," 29 June 2018 The treatments were allowed Monday by a Congo ethics committee on the grounds of compassionate use. — Meera Senthilingam, CNN, "Experimental drugs approved for use in Congo Ebola outbreak," 6 June 2018 The Spaniard has played 40 times for City in all competitions this season, scoring 10 goals, but Guardiola has showed his compassionate side by allowing one of his key players to spend time with his family in Spain. — SI.com, "David Silva Will Miss Man City Tie Against Brighton After Jetting Back to Spain for Family Reasons," 9 May 2018 Middlesworth can sound gruff, but Clasen-Kelly said she's also seen his compassionate side for the homeless. — Tim Funk, charlotteobserver, "From enemy to ally: How this North Tryon businessman is now helping the Men's Shelter | Charlotte Observer," 30 Mar. 2018 In fact, simply admiring the blooms made participants feel less anxious and more compassionate throughout the day. — Kelly Mickle, Woman's Day, "11 Sleeping Tips To Help You Wake Up in the Best Mood," 4 Aug. 2016 On the one hand, several major evangelical leaders and institutions have been vocal advocates for the dignity of refugees, and for a more compassionate public policy toward immigration overall. — Tara Isabella Burton, Vox, "Several white evangelical leaders reject anti-immigrant rhetoric. Why do their flocks embrace it?," 20 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

At age 49, the Juilliard graduate, who can easily transform from menacing mob boss to compassionate father with a mere expression change, is having the kind of year an actor can only dream about. — Nicole Sperling, HWD, "Michael Stuhlbarg Is This Awards Season’s Most Valuable Player," 12 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'compassionate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.