compassion

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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

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.
Recent Examples of compassion Moore suggested deep breathing to dial down your defensive/judging networks and practice self-compassion for three to four minutes, followed by grounding in values and setting intentions. Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025 At tonight’s Toronto International Film Festival Tribute Awards, honorees like Idris Elba, Guillermo del Toro and Nina Hoss urged empathy, invoking the state of the world as in desperate need of human compassion. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2025 Are there body image wounds that need your attention and compassion? Alison Mann, SELF, 5 Sep. 2025 The film’s chief sin is its effortful posture of compassion for the plight of these boys, and those like them in the real world. Richard Lawson, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compassion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassion
Noun
  • Newsrooms — like many other companies, amid a tight labor market and booming economy — responded with intense sympathy for junior employees who felt mistreated by managers and bullied by untouchable stars.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • And then Zhao gives you a moment of communal outpouring, as the play’s audience responds to a violent climax with sympathy and love.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • He's spent 20 years repaying this debt kindness.
    Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 2 Sep. 2025
  • We are all moved by her kindness and gratefulness in the midst of pain.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Guerrero’s leadership blends sociological insight with technical empathy.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • His transformation, told through milestones rather than narration, has prompted an outpouring of praise and empathy from viewers who were touched by his journey.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Kahan, known for his raw anthems, offers more insight into the inner workings of his heart in his lyrics than in public comments.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This isn’t the first study to suggest the importance of breakfast for living a long life—research has shown that regularly eating a morning meal is linked with lower overall and heart-related mortality (and that bypassing it can up your heart-disease risk).
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compassion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassion. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on compassion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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