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 Oregon football head coach Dan Lanning previously offered his condolences to Kirk's wife, Erika, and their two children following his team's 34-14 victory over Northwestern earlier this month. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2025 My condolences to anyone who doesn’t have a multiview option, or doesn’t own a second TV, or, worst of all, were stuck at a wedding reception watching on your phone. Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025 Italian President Sergio Mattarella shared his condolences on Cardinale's death, the Italian Journalistic Agency reported. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 24 Sep. 2025 There’s nothing shameful about being seen with someone who is offering condolences and emotional support. Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for condolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condolence
Noun
  • But the attack in Grand Blanc this week has only brought others closer to the church in sympathy and care.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Many users expressed their sympathy, and some even had their own pets react to the sound from the video.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But in the small areas of freedom McAvoy allows himself outside the main thrust of the familiar rags-to-riches-to-regret arc there are sharp little digressions and darker shadowy corners that suggest there’s more to the film, and to McAvoy as a filmmaker, than initially meets the eye.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Coming after his success as a co-writer on partner Greta Gerwig’s billion-dollar hit Barbie (2023), Jay Kelly appears to signal a new chapter for the Baumbach, one less defined by fracture and regret than by celebration.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Condolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condolence. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on condolence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!