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 of compassionate

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

Graceful in technique, compassionate in its writing, this movie, one of the year’s best, is a crying machine. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 9 Nov. 2026

Communities become more inclusive, compassionate, and connected. — Jeffrey Zirulnick, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

Gentle parenting has become a buzzword on social media, often presented as a calm, connected, and compassionate alternative to traditional discipline. — Alex Vance, Parents, 25 Oct. 2026

This brief, 112-page memoir by Simone de Beauvoir details her mother’s final days from an honest, compassionate perspective. — JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026

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