EMPATHY Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

empathy

noun

Definition of empathy

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 But across all the films, there’s a desire to approach these characters with great empathy. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 The discovery of human remains encourages a more human connection with the past while fostering empathy for those left behind at the end of the battle. — Jennifer Janofsky, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026 But Yates' story didn't elicit the same swell of empathy as Lindsay Clancy's has today. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 All three derived their empathy from a strong faith in Jesus — but also because that’s what small-town folks do. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy

Noun

These proposals, many times rooted in sympathy and love, were presented as alternatives to the political structures and market logic that had so often led to war, exploitation, hopelessness, and suffering.

— Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
The glories of some former age may be lamented, and our sympathies directed to parties judged righteous or wronged.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 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

If someone consistently behaves with kindness, generosity, and consideration, even when these behaviors require effort or self-restraint, their motives may be less important than their actions.

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The singer was so well known for helping out that fake stories are hard to refute, because even extraordinary acts of kindness sound like something Parton would do.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

The pair came away from that incident, and more subtle slights (like having to wait 20 minutes to be seated in a mostly empty restaurant), with a better understanding of each other.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Price and Felton each took steps this offseason in their schematic understanding and trustworthiness as pass catchers.

— Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of understanding

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

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Synonyms of empathy

noun

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