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 My sincere condolences to Amy Irving & all of Priscilla's family. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, Carney’s chief rival in the election, also extended his condolences to the victims and their families. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025 Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson posted to Facebook Saturday night to share his condolences. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Messages of condolence and support came from across the globe. Harshita Meenaktshi and Chris Helgren, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for condolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condolence
Noun
  • Viewers flooded the comments with words of encouragement and concern, expressing sympathy for his state of mind and urging him to take care of his mental health.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 May 2025
  • Other footwear stocks rose in sympathy following the announcement.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • The biggest takeaway from the interview was Hartwell’s regret for not being more vocal.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Another suspect, Abbas, who wrote a book about the heist, also showed regret about the robbery.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Condolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condolence. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on condolence

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