1
as in benevolent
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others
a compassionate person by nature
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sympathetic
having or showing the capacity for sharing the feelings of another
a compassionate smile made the refugees feel a little better
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to pity
to have sympathy for
a gentle soul who could compassionate even the most reprobate of scoundrels and villains
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of compassionate
Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
The organization, which is also partnered with The Fear of 13, endeavors to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Yet while 67% of white people who are eligible for PrEP are on it, only 8% eligible Black people are, often citing lack of access to healthcare or to compassionate healthcare.
—Annalisa Merelli, Quartz, 20 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for compassionate
Adjective
The family of a West Chester University student killed in a weekend crash is remembering him as a compassionate young man who always put others first.
—Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
The organization, which is also partnered with The Fear of 13, endeavors to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
The solution is to shift from empathy to compassionate accountability: Instead of feeling with the person, focus on walking beside them while holding the line.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Yet while 67% of white people who are eligible for PrEP are on it, only 8% eligible Black people are, often citing lack of access to healthcare or to compassionate healthcare.
—Annalisa Merelli, Quartz, 20 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for compassionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassionate
Adjective
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With the eventual blessing of his benevolent landlords, Grattan has completely transformed the rental unit— widening doorways, upgrading electrical systems, and reimagining every wall and ceiling.—
Sam Cochran,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2026
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Maybe the universe wasn’t on her side—would a benevolent god send Russ Sutton onto Cherry’s path?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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During his presidency, Radev gained a reputation as being sympathetic to Russia.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2026
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The scammer may sound friendly or sympathetic.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Instead, we are ridiculed and pitied globally.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
11 Apr. 2026
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So pity the ordinary property owners who have to pay the taxman two times every year.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Focus on business and personal relationships with those who are kind, helpful and have your back.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
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The service The service is kind as only Romans can be, formal but always friendly.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Her empathetic and fiercely protective Olivia Benson, now captain of the NYPD's Special Victim's Unit in Manhattan, has becoming the longest-reigning character in primetime TV.—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
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Amid all their attacks and counter-attacks, what motivates each aggrieved party comes to light, painting a rich, empathetic portrait of lives lived under immense pressure — and the illogical outlets that sometimes become our only means of relief.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Patients continue receiving care, and workers continue doing their jobs under more humane conditions.—
Christopher Marte,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
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The humane society and foster team will continue to care for Elmer, including giving him regular oil baths to help remove some of the remaining glue.—
Yi-Jin Yu,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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School for Defectors, with its endearing cast of students and empathic educators, is also resonating with audiences, to judge from the response at True/False.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
8 Mar. 2026
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Caleb and Tarim's relationship is both incredibly sexy in very overt ways, but wraps that into the concept of Betazed's open sexuality and empathic ability.—
Matthew Razak,
Space.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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To be reasonable, in Rawls’s sense, is to accept that one’s deepest convictions may fail to command assent from others who are no less sincere or thoughtful, and then to propose terms of political coöperation that others can appreciate.—
Nikhil Krishnan,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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This transit favors awareness and thoughtful pacing.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compassionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassionate. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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