as in compassion
the feeling that you understand and share another person's experiences and emotions
He felt great empathy toward the poor.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
The steady, unwavering empathy of her gaze encompasses a universe of tiny, interlaced incidents in which the zany entwines the plaintive, or the tragic the comic.
—
Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026
But, empathy aside, does any amount of family or romantic trauma justify revenge, even murder?
—Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
For example, other research suggests higher levels of social media use could boost empathy in some children.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2026
Anyone with a shred of empathy would have a hard time understanding why a person would ever do this.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for empathy
Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026
But, empathy aside, does any amount of family or romantic trauma justify revenge, even murder?
—Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
For example, other research suggests higher levels of social media use could boost empathy in some children.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2026
Anyone with a shred of empathy would have a hard time understanding why a person would ever do this.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for empathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy
Noun
-
Creason’s love for life in the fast lane was matched by his compassion, loyalty and willingness to help anyone without hesitation, according to his obituary.—
Elissa Jorgensen,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Your compassion and generosity have meant more than words can express during this difficult time.—
Shelley Bortz,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
None of them had sent me flowers, or even a sympathy card.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The Washington Post investigation revealed that the Russians even proposed to stage a fake assassination of Orbán, in order to build more sympathy for him.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Seham Hassen was known for her kindness, faith and deep love for her family.—
Ubah Ali,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Luplow, 36, is one of four winners of the inaugural FECK Awards, a national program created by Chaz Ebert to recognize people who show exemplary forgiveness, empathy, compassion and kindness, or FECK.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
China and Russia’s Arctic alignment began with the signing of a memorandum of understanding in April 2023, with the two countries’ Coast Guards working in tandem to carve out a trade route.—
Lori Ann LaRocco,
CNBC,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Some without formal medical diagnoses may seek psychedelic experiences for personal or spiritual growth or existential understanding.—
Natalia V. Osipova,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Martínez has actively avoided presenting herself as a victim and strongly rejects pity.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Playing the lead, Falls does a very good job of showing the tragedy of Carroll’s situation without ever playing the role for pity; the toxic world of the manosphere seldom has been so graphically or gruesomely rendered.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Empathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empathy. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
