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
Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
But Kimmel—who also provided a thoughtful, compassionate response to the firestorm, thanking supporters on both sides of the aisle—hasn’t actually returned to a pre-Brendan Carr state of affairs.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for compassionate
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Adjective
Our team of pediatric intensive care specialists is fully trained in the most advanced lifesaving and support techniques available, and compassionate, quality care and patient safety are always our top priority.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
But Kimmel—who also provided a thoughtful, compassionate response to the firestorm, thanking supporters on both sides of the aisle—hasn’t actually returned to a pre-Brendan Carr state of affairs.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 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
See All Example Sentences for compassionate
Cite this Entry
“Compassionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compassionate. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.
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