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

Others discussed overcoming the initial awkwardness of the work and finding satisfaction in helping doctors become more competent and compassionate. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026

At the same time, the lawsuits contend that chatbots are pretending to be agreeable and compassionate while preying on the vulnerable and on teenagers, the first generation to grow up with artificial intelligence. — Marc Levy, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Kennedy’s compassionate approach has proved similarly useful for caregivers trying to raise resilient, confident kids. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026

Growing naturally brings greater knowledge and experience, and ignoring suffering and other troubles wouldn’t be compassionate or wise. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 16 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