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 Their path eventually crosses that of Greta, an Italian doctor whose empathy and resilience shine through the situation. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 July 2026 Spain claims to champion women, but her empathy seems entirely dependent on whether the woman agrees with Sarah Spain. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 During the series’ panel at the 2026 San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, July 24, Schafer, 27, opened up about how playing Cora, a human on a journey alongside a replicant, taught her about humanity and empathy. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 All of these actions help build brains that support self-regulation, resilience, literacy and empathy. — Dana Suskind, Md, CNBC, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy
  1. sympathy
  2. pity
  3. compassion
  4. kindness
  5. understanding
Noun
  • Those words have taken on a chilling resonance as commenters debate whether Hilton deserves sympathy.
    — Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Flowers are fragile, temporary and traditionally associated with personal moments of celebration, sympathy or affection.
    — Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • Before the recording was played, Judge William Sullivan warned jurors not to allow sympathy, anger, passion or pity to influence their verdict.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
  • And that’s a pity, because birthright citizenship brings many practical benefits to the United States today—arguments that the nation needs to hear, given the campaign being mounted against it.
    — Amanda Frost, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of pity
Noun
  • But building an entire romance around that premise demands considerably more compassion and intellectual ambition than Gluck offers Braun’s material.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Thank you for your compassion, understanding, and continued support.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • Jorge will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness and unwavering devotion to his family.
    — Avi Creditor, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Jessica Meyer, clinical manager of the clinic, said she was already struck by Martewicz’s kindness.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Despite centuries of scientific understanding, myths continue to circulate online and by word of mouth.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Rezaei accused Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding and launching attacks without first referring the issue to the dispute resolution committee.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 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 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on empathy

Nglish: Translation of empathy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about empathy

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