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
  • As for whether Hart, who is shown in the opening scene of the film collapsed in an alley, should be pitied, Hawke says that’s too simple of an emotion for the brilliant, but complicated character.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Following Irwin’s death, musicians like Kacey Musgraves, Ed Sheeran, Jon Bon Jovi and Margo Price all took to social media to express their sympathies.
    Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Federline feels bad for her — but there is a limit to that sympathy, in part because of her alleged mistreatment of their sons.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In the end, even kindness comes with a price tag.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Likewise, the children of the late Minnesota Speaker of the House who was gunned down last summer, Melissa Hortman, also reminded us that the only way out is to treat each other with kindness and respect—a useful message for our political leaders and fellow citizens to heed.
    Time, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With trust and engagement at an all-time low, companies need to help leaders strengthen human skills such as self-awareness, clear communication, and compassion.
    Rasmus Hougaard, Harvard Business Review, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Jane tried so hard for so many years to spread her message of hope and compassion.
    Lisa Wade, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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