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
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 compassionate
Chris Nashawaty,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 June 2026
Sutro Biopharma discontinued development in March 2025 and also eliminated a compassionate use program.
—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
12 June 2026
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
29 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
Even-handed, compassionate, and as suffocatingly tense as a hangman's noose, Munich is Spielberg's most underrated film.
—
Chris Nashawaty,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 June 2026
Sutro Biopharma discontinued development in March 2025 and also eliminated a compassionate use program.
—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
12 June 2026
Verb
Modern Legal is not only a firm dedicated to compassionate legal advocacy but also underscores the critical role of education in empowering individuals.
—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
29 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
-
Hostile and benevolent sexism are early indicators of deeper problems.
-
Amazed to discover her treasure-trove apartment, Julián also discovers his own Caribbean heritage and the lively Brooklyn community he is surrounded by, in a loveable, benevolent family-friendly feature.
Adjective
-
Leaders are constantly in a chronic, sympathetic-dominant state that, if not appropriately managed, can have downstream effects on their cardiovascular health, immune functioning, sleep, and even personal relationships.
-
Jackson thought Colorado voters would be sympathetic to the state’s water crisis, caused by decades of drought and climate change.
Verb
-
There is nothing pitying and also nothing airbrushed in the pictures—just the occasional haze of a misty morning or the blurry tremor of a burning brush pile.
-
Or, even better, don’t pity Carlson.
Adjective
-
Levine, of course, had even kinder things to say about the contestant who prompted all three to turn their chairs during the audition round.
-
Each edition is a well-aged rye whiskey that has been given a first-of-its kind cask finish.
Adjective
-
The book also delves into her biracial identity and her father's subversive artistry, ultimately seeking to foster more direct, empathetic conversations about race, identity, and human connection.
-
Burrows played himself as smart, empathetic, crotchety and, despite generations of experience under his belt, entirely forward-looking.
Adjective
-
Carmel Valley takes a more humane approach.
-
The safest and most humane response is usually patience.
Adjective
-
Born under the artistic water sign Pisces, symbolized by the Fish, your child is whimsical, sensitive, empathic, and imaginative.
-
Now, imagine this happening in a sentimental, intuitive and empathic sign like Cancer — this transit will feel like an overflow of emotion.
Adjective
-
Create an agenda that names who does what, and map the route so your thoughtful plan serves the group together.
-
Over the years, Lucas and his wife have transformed the space from a simple above-ground pool into a backyard destination complete with thoughtful upgrades and finishing touches.
Cite this Entry
“Compassionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassionate. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
