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 In a condolence message, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, expressed deep sorrow and urged authorities to investigate and support victims and families. Reuters, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025 Tron’s flop comes one week after The Smashing Machine underdelivered to the tune of a $6 million opening; condolences to the 133 of you who splurged on both. Joe Reid, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025 Following the tragic news of D’Angelo’s death, fans immediately extended prayers and condolences to his eldest son, Michael Archer II (also known under his stage name, SwayvoTwain), who has lost both of his parents within a few months of each other. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 15 Oct. 2025 To offer condolences for the heartache of a last-second loss. Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for condolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condolence
Noun
  • After sharing his story online, commenters expressed sympathy for the boy’s situation, calling his father’s behavior selfish and neglectful.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • For now, at least, the tragic backstories primarily serve as shortcuts to drum up sympathy for these characters.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Several Redditor regrets stem from trends that prioritize looks over livability.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Omnilert, the company that operates the AI gun detection system, expressed regret over the incident and emphasized that its system is designed to identify a possible threat and elevate it to human review.
    Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Condolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condolence. Accessed 29 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!