commiseration

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun commiseration contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of commiseration are compassion, condolence, pity, and sympathy. While all these words mean "the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another," commiseration suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort.

murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters

In what contexts can compassion take the place of commiseration?

The words compassion and commiseration can be used in similar contexts, but compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

treats the homeless with great compassion

When is condolence a more appropriate choice than commiseration?

While the synonyms condolence and commiseration are close in meaning, condolence applies chiefly to formal expression of grief to one who has suffered loss.

expressed their condolences to the widow

When is it sensible to use pity instead of commiseration?

While in some cases nearly identical to commiseration, pity implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress.

felt pity for the captives

When could sympathy be used to replace commiseration?

The words sympathy and commiseration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sympathy often suggests a tender concern but can also imply a power to enter into another's emotional experience of any sort.

went to my best friend for sympathy
in sympathy with her desire to locate her natural parents

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commiseration
Noun
  • Filming largely from David’s perspective, and augmenting the action with cultural politics, Lee seems fully in sympathy with the protagonist’s viewpoint.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Linda obviously wasn’t offended by the popular entertainer’s lack of sympathy and had apparently forgiven him.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These companies show that kindness and innovation go hand in hand.
    Nav Thethi, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • While the internet isn't necessarily known for its joy and kindness, Wylie has been blown away by the response since sharing the video on TikTok.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Zoo officials said the 160-pound gorilla, who had received training on how to be a good mother, appeared to act out of maternal compassion for the human child.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Amid a series of alarming tweets in 2020, Kardashian spoke out about West's health, asking for compassion.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Commiseration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commiseration. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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