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 In other words, emotion, empathy and irrationality could be seen as some of the most powerful counterweights to AI. — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026 For this set, a woman deserving of empathy looks like Erika Kirk. — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026 One stark example here is that, historically, researchers often incorrectly painted autistic people as lacking empathy or even the ability to love. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 18 Aug. 2026 The amount of research and empathy into every single character and era Gyasi put into this story is incredible. — Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy
  1. sympathy
  2. pity
  3. compassion
  4. kindness
  5. understanding
Noun
  • The assembly aimed to raise awareness and sympathy for those who suffer from postpartum mood disorders.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The worst part of it might be his attempt at trying to get sympathy from it.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • Maceta, moved to pity at times, would put an ear to his friend’s chest and hear how Ruiz’s heart leaped about inside his body, as though trying to fly apart.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The actress was at a tipping point in her career, shifting from easily relatable protagonists to more complicated characters who didn’t require our affection or our pity.
    — Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of pity
Noun
  • But when a desperate woman carrying an infant appears outside his sanctuary, Parish is forced to choose between compassion and survival.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Blake Lively Blake Lively shares an important reminder for people to show compassion for one another.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Her flop of a debate performance left her sounding like someone with no vision or kindness — career suicide for someone who has made her reputation on both traits.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Through that in-person interaction, team members can gain a better understanding of priorities, expectations and how decisions are made.
    — Don Weber, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The memorandum of understanding that Washington and Tehran signed on June 17 to open Hormuz expired on Monday without a final deal.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 18 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on empathy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about empathy

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