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 Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the two people killed were crew members and sent her condolences to their families. Nouran Salahieh, CNN Money, 18 May 2025 News of Morris’ death eventually reached Sandler, who posted his condolences and memories of the alligator on social media on Wednesday. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Throngs of people responded to the post offering condolences to the family. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 May 2025 Ellis told Bedi to extend the court’s condolences to Abedelal’s family. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for condolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condolence
Noun
  • Back home, Ramaphosa briefly enjoyed a wave of sympathy for remaining composed during what was the latest ambush of a foreign leader at the Oval Office.
    Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 2025
  • The Bidens have elicited some sympathy during these hard times.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Why a fallen Thunderbird’s mom has no regrets The dangers of flying such complex formations are top of mind for crew members.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 24 May 2025
  • To be conscious of one’s regrets is proof of having lived an examined life.
    Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Condolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condolence. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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