commiserate (with) 1 of 2

commiseration

2 of 2

noun

1
2

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 commiserate (with)
Verb
  • But pity the Globes, SAG, Critics Choice and other shows that used to thrive by getting to recognize television’s top new shows before the Emmys.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Twenty-first-century indie shaped the identities of many Millennials, but it’s now often talked about with pitying nostalgia—as the bygone style of hipsters with handlebar mustaches pretending to be countercultural while making easy-listening music for hotel lobbies.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There is some sympathy for Potter among the players that this situation is not all his fault.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Kneeling was widely used by protesters and supporters after Floyd’s death to signal sympathy with the Black Lives Matter movement and a call for racial justice.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Our small kindnesses to each other.
    Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The most vulnerable among us deserve the most respect, most compassion, and most kindness.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The red agate worn by his mother reflects silent compassion, and the pearl accents on the Wulu pendant evoke the gentle passage of time.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Maria Montessori knew that childhood offers a unique opportunity to nurture a new generationthat is ready to take on the challenges of their time with curiosity, compassion, and conviction.
    Jose Bolanos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 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.

Cite this Entry

“Commiserate (with).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commiserate%20%28with%29. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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