Synonyms of condolence

condolence

noun

as in sympathy

a feeling or expression of care and sadness especially when someone is suffering because of the death of a family member, a friend, etc.

The governor issued a statement of condolence to the victims' families.

a letter of condolence

Related Words

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

Dissimilar Words

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun condolence contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of condolence are commiseration, compassion, pity, and sympathy. While all these words mean "the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another," condolence applies chiefly to formal expression of grief to one who has suffered loss.

expressed their condolences to the widow

When can commiseration be used instead of condolence?

In some situations, the words commiseration and condolence are roughly equivalent. However, commiseration suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort.

murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters

When would compassion be a good substitute for condolence?

The meanings of compassion and condolence largely overlap; however, compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

treats the homeless with great compassion

In what contexts can pity take the place of condolence?

While in some cases nearly identical to condolence, pity implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress.

felt pity for the captives

When could sympathy be used to replace condolence?

The words sympathy and condolence 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 condolence

European officials including Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, sent their condolences to Parubiy’s family and the people of Ukraine. —Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025

My condolences to his family and loved ones. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025

Chief District Court Judge Roy Wiggins expressed his condolences to Zarutska’s family after her uncle urged the judge to keep Decarlos Brown, 34, in jail. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2025

Pope Leo conveyed his condolences in a telegram sent to Archbishop Bernard Hebda. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025