empathy

noun

Definition of empathynext
as in compassion
the feeling that you understand and share another person's experiences and emotions He felt great empathy toward the poor.

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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 empathy It has been defined in slightly different ways over the years, but some of the traits commonly associated with psychopathy include pathological lying, extreme narcissism, shallow affect, impulsivity and lack of empathy and remorse. — David Dematteo, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026 In addition to outdoor play, the research supports pairing the outdoor time with a 15-minute daily lesson of social-emotional learning that teaches students about empathy, respect and self-esteem. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 Social workers, nurses, therapists, and home health aides provide care that depends not simply on technical skill, but on empathy, dignity, and compassion. — Scott Levenson, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 The article also took aim at Macron over his past calls for police to show greater empathy. — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy
  1. sympathy
  2. pity
  3. compassion
  4. kindness
  5. understanding
Noun
  • Joseph Zada is beyond impressive in a highly demanding role that pushes him to the limit physically and emotionally, perfectly capturing the essence of Haymitch with all the sympathy, charm and bitterness Woody Harrelson brought to the role.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Arab Israelis of Palestinian descent make up 20% of the population but are often seen with suspicion because of their sympathies with other Palestinians.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • The pity of the judge who imprisoned them here was cold comfort for a group of people who had little reason to trust any legal authority.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Still, the track eventually collides into a seasick wall of distortion that recalls lovesliescrushing’s weightless takes on shoegaze as Pitchkites sings of unmet expectations and self pity.
    — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of pity
Noun
  • Immersed in a melting pot of Mexican, Filipino, African American, Japanese and Chinese working families, Huerta learned from her mother — who owned a restaurant and hotel — about independence, compassion and activism.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • This is reorienting representation in Arkansas based on common sense, based on compassion and based on showing up.
    — Stephen Fowler, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • Patience and kindness can go a long way, Henderson says, and Seshadri reminds everyone to extend that respect to the airport staff and your fellow passengers.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Be patient when a grocery store cashier with disabilities rings up your items — kindness can go a long way.
    — John Gill, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Kim Hong-Cheol, the South Korean military official, said leaving the dispute over the military demarcation line unresolved would increase the risk of accidental clashes because troops from both sides act on their own understanding of the line.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Communications leaders can help organisations anticipate the expectations those decisions will need to meet, bringing an understanding of customer concerns and public trust into the discussion before commitments are made.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of understanding

Browse Nearby Words

empathizing (with)
empathy
emperor
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Cite this Entry

“Empathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empathy. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on empathy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about empathy

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