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
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Recent Examples of empathy
So, read books, all the way through, and discover hidden worlds, nuanced characters and complex arguments that will enlighten you, inspire joy and ignite empathy that will endure.
—
Patricia Steckler, Baltimore Sun, 21 Feb. 2026
The way Robby is handling the increasingly complicated situation with hospice patient Roxie is also an exemplary display of his empathy.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
Emotionally attuned parenting that balances empathy with clear limits helps kids build strong self-regulation and confidence.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 20 Feb. 2026
Some call it empathy; others believe there is divinity in the man.
—Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for empathy
Patricia Steckler, Baltimore Sun, 21 Feb. 2026
The way Robby is handling the increasingly complicated situation with hospice patient Roxie is also an exemplary display of his empathy.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
Emotionally attuned parenting that balances empathy with clear limits helps kids build strong self-regulation and confidence.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 20 Feb. 2026
Some call it empathy; others believe there is divinity in the man.
—Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for empathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy
Noun
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In the glow of candlelight or the compassion of a certain kind of attention, all enter equally into the sacred.—
Nicole Krauss,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
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The fallout from a Tourette syndrome advocate blurting the N-word during a presentation by two Black actors at a British entertainment awards ceremony should generate more compassion — for both sides, said New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who suffers from the condition.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The new poll also found for the first time that middle-aged Americans, those 35 to 54, expressed more sympathy for the Palestinians than the Israelis — a reversal from last year.—
Linley Sanders,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
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There’d be too much sympathy in watching this cookie get pulverized by unfeeling overlords.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Most Buddhist sects acknowledge the spiritual significance of relics, even if some teachers have tried to shift the focus to Buddha’s teachings that emphasize mindfulness and kindness.—
Deepa Bharath,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Mar. 2026
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Most Buddhist sects acknowledge the spiritual significance of relics even if some teachers have tried to shift the focus to Buddha's teachings that emphasize mindfulness and kindness.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Tretter has a strong understanding of the inner workings of the union.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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Much further into Paton’s career, that same understanding has built with Payton, as the Broncos’ general manager has grown well aware of the player profile (smart, tough) that Payton favors.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Despite how abject all this sounds, the protagonist does not seem weak or worthy of pity.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
27 Feb. 2026
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Mikey Madison does a stellar job of switching back and forth between homicidal malevolence and victimhood, going straight for pity whenever Amber is cornered.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Empathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empathy. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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