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·ness
kəm-ˈpa-shə-nət-nəs
Examples of compassionate in a Sentence
Adjective
a compassionate person by nature
a compassionate smile made the refugees feel a little better
Recent Examples on the Web
Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Private feelings bump into plans as compassionate Venus moves through your 12th House of Solitude and squares structured Saturn in your 9th House of Higher Learning.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
The Humane Society’s focus is on building and strengthening pet families through barrier-free adoptions that include spay/neuter surgery, microchipping and vaccinations, and has achieved a high live release rate by focusing on compassionate care and community partnerships.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Vegan eating offers a practical, compassionate way forward that is better for animals, and better for the planet and public health.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for compassionate
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Adjective
Allowing people to remain in those situations without intervention is not compassionate.
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Private feelings bump into plans as compassionate Venus moves through your 12th House of Solitude and squares structured Saturn in your 9th House of Higher Learning.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
The Humane Society’s focus is on building and strengthening pet families through barrier-free adoptions that include spay/neuter surgery, microchipping and vaccinations, and has achieved a high live release rate by focusing on compassionate care and community partnerships.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Vegan eating offers a practical, compassionate way forward that is better for animals, and better for the planet and public health.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for compassionate
Cite this Entry
“Compassionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compassionate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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