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 His work underscores the importance of mental health care, empathy and showing up for people in difficult moments. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 This was the sort of empathy and understanding of the world that Hannah-Jones rightfully wanted to impart to her daughter. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026 Stephens apologized and expressed empathy for Moore and his family in a statement issued by the Trojans. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 By following the journey of a Canadian of Bulgarian origin who returns to his home country, the film invites us to look with empathy at those who choose to settle far from their homeland. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy

Noun

The tension between intellectual certainty and its corporeal obverse is the novel’s most interesting possibility, yet its campus plot repeatedly narrows into a question of who deserves our sympathy.

— Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Gunn’s way of watching and noticing with the full weight of pure sympathy makes its way, with chiseled care, into a reticent eloquence.

— Colm Tóibín, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of sympathy

Noun

All eyes were trained in my direction, watching my every move, all conveying their pity.

— Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Years later, Nelson is married to Linda (pity poor Tatyana Ali, saddled with an almost comically underwritten, saintly-supportive-partner role) and is raising her son as his own.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of pity

Noun

Her legacy of compassion and understanding will live on in her charities Childline and the Silverline, and through those of us who were lucky enough to love and be loved by her.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026
Are any of them capturing its denizens with a compassion their subjects can’t themselves reciprocate?

— Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of compassion

Noun

Reports of Muse sharing a user’s home address with a prospective buyer and accessing private messages despite the user’s understanding of permissions illustrate those concerns.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
And over time, interest from generalists in understanding and treating opioid use disorder does appear to have increased, Bagley said.

— Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of understanding

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“Empathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empathy. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of empathy

noun

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