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
• ruth
• empathy
• mercy
• humaneness
• humanity
• feeling
• sensitivity
• kindliness
• affinity
• rapport
• goodwill
• kindheartedness
• magnanimity
• softheartedness
• warmheartedness
• altruism
• humanitarianism
• benevolence
• charity
• 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

Some in the basketball world stayed cautious, with Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards offering condolences while avoiding detailed comment. —Jj Velasquez, San Antonio Express-News, 1 Feb. 2026

Ahead of the draw, UEFA’s deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti expressed condolences towards Greek club PAOK, after seven fans died in a minibus crash in Romania on Tuesday on their way to the Europa League game against Lyon. —Paul Taylor, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026

Instead of offering condolences or urging patience while an impartial probe runs its course, their push to preemptively exonerate the agents undermined an otherwise rigorous process meant to judge the use of lethal force according to the standards law enforcement is expected to uphold. —Diane Goldstein, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026

Manning apologized to Gordon's family for any confusion that occurred when prosecutors explained the plea to them and offered her condolences for their loss. —Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 30 Jan. 2026