1
as in benevolent
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others
a compassionate person by nature
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of compassionate
Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
West Hartford is welcoming, compassionate, and fair.
—Jillian Gilchrest, Hartford Courant, 3 May 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
Public safety must be both preventative and compassionate.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
West Hartford is welcoming, compassionate, and fair.
—Jillian Gilchrest, Hartford Courant, 3 May 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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But statement that seems so benevolent can be anything but.—
Kathy and Ross Petrass,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
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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
Adjective
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Bahrain revoked citizenship from 69 individuals accused of being sympathetic to Iran.—
Dominic Dudley,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
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Several justices seemed sympathetic to the company’s argument that it can’t be sued under state law because federal regulators have found Roundup likely doesn’t cause cancer.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Or, even better, don’t pity Carlson.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
23 Apr. 2026
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Having failed to secure a ticket, I was taunted with pitying one-upmanship by acquaintances who had had more success.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Dewey’s Dan is a kind and creative painter, and the only slightly chaotic thing Kate has ever loved.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
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Wrigley has been especially kind to the Cubs, who now have an 8-1 record with the wind blowing out, and 3-0 with a crosswind.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
Adjective
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Throughout modern history, first ladies have often served as the empathetic, emotive counterpart to their husbands, who tend to remain more manly and stoic.—
Joy Press,
Vanity Fair,
28 Apr. 2026
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His innate compassion connects him with the zodiac Pisces, a sign known to be sweet and empathetic.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Sue Hendrickson — who did not have a high school diploma — received her first university credentials in the form of an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the University of Illinois Chicago.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
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Loosely based on the nonfiction book You and I—The Illness Suddenly Gets Worse by Makiko Miyano and Maho Isono, the story follows the French director of a nursing home who attempts to introduce a more humane care technique and meets a terminally ill Japanese playwright.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
6 May 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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One thoughtful adjustment keeps things on track.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
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Friends and colleagues close to King said they were saddened by his death, but remembered him as a hard-working and demanding judge who was also thoughtful and fair.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compassionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassionate. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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