Synonyms of compassion

compassion

noun

kəm-ˈpa-shən 

1

as in sympathy

sorrow or the capacity to feel sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune

treats the homeless with great compassion

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sympathy
• empathy
• feeling
• kindness
• commiseration
• regret
• pity
• generosity
• mercy
• sensitivity
• understanding
• humanity
• humaneness
• condolence
• kindliness
• altruism
• affinity
• ruth
• magnanimity
• rapport
• kindheartedness
• humanitarianism
• goodwill
• benevolence
• benignity
• warmheartedness
• philanthropy
• charity
• largesse
• softheartedness
• largeheartedness
• bigheartedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indifference
• callousness
• heartlessness
• cruelty
• insensitivity
• hatred
• unconcern
• hard-heartedness
• inhumanity
• coldheartedness
• hostility
• harshness
• animosity
• antipathy
• dislike

2

as in kindness

the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune

has no compassion for people who squander their money

Synonyms & Similar Words

• kindness
• sympathy
• heart
• generosity
• mercy
• humanity
• pity
• feelings
• feeling
• sensitivity
• kindliness
• commiseration
• ruth
• kindheartedness
• responsiveness
• good-heartedness
• charity
• empathy
• warmheartedness
• love
• affection
• regard
• largeheartedness
• sensibility
• bigheartedness
• softheartedness
• altruism
• humanism
• humaneness
• rapport
• affinity
• humanitarianism
• goodwill
• benevolence
• philanthropy
• benignity
• benignancy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indifference
• inhumanity
• coldness
• callousness
• cruelty
• disinterest
• unconcern
• mercilessness
• hatred
• pitilessness
• hard-heartedness
• coldheartedness
• hostility
• harshness
• inhumanness
• animosity
• antipathy
• dislike

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun compassion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of compassion are commiseration, condolence, pity, and sympathy. While all these words mean "the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another," compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

treats the homeless with great compassion

When might commiseration be a better fit than compassion?

While in some cases nearly identical to compassion, commiseration suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort.

murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters

Where would condolence be a reasonable alternative to compassion?

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

expressed their condolences to the widow

In what contexts can pity take the place of compassion?

In some situations, the words pity and compassion are roughly equivalent. However, pity implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress.

felt pity for the captives

When is sympathy a more appropriate choice than compassion?

The words sympathy and compassion can be used in similar contexts, but 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 compassion

As Walter, Carman Lacivita has to be a pompous jerk for a lot of this play then must soften for scenes of genuine compassion and personal growth. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026

In the first Kindness Crew book, Pooch on the Loose, the trio help find a home for an energetic shelter dog in a funny and entertaining story that highlights inclusivity, compassion and empathy. — Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026

Their professionalism, determination and compassion for the victims represent the very best of the Metropolitan Police. — Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Students must also learn honest history, including the consequences of war, the dangers of propaganda and dehumanization and the courage of those who chose compassion over hatred. — Joanie Schirm, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026