condolence

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

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 condolence Costars Emily Kinney and Briana Venskus left their condolences in the comments, as did Sons of Anarchy star David LaBrava. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Sep. 2025 While some may argue that Kirk’s death shouldn’t invite any opinions beyond condolences, Strossen countered that the debates about his legacy reflect the very kind of discourse Kirk himself encouraged. Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Commenters on Brown’s Instagram post offered their condolences and messages of support. Jack Smart, People.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Vance added that he's gratified by hearing calls for unity and condolences from Democratic friends and colleagues. Erin Glynn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for condolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condolence
Noun
  • Last season, Kelly doing something like this probably earned little sympathy from LSU fans because the Tigers underperformed.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Characters like Sophie, who decide against parenthood, are portrayed with sympathy and respect; but so too are the relationships between parents and children, which the game presents as meaningful.
    G Kirilloff, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Israel-Premier Tech expressed its regret following the event, which resulted in the cancellation of the race’s finale and traditional podium ceremony.
    Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • One taught me about living and dying; the other taught me about envy and regret.
    Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Condolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condolence. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on condolence

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