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 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

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

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

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 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of empathy

noun

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