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 The song and video aim to build understanding and empathy, showing that mealtimes can look different for every family. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 5 Aug. 2026 In fact, skills like empathy, influence, and the ability to read the room—things AI cannot yet do with accuracy and facility—are already becoming more valuable. — Matt Abrahams, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 As Cohn did before him, Trump likes to frame his anti-establishment politics of resentment as empathy for the working class. — Kai Bird, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Telling this story from a child’s perspective is a way of trying to revive empathy for people who are often dehumanized by the way they are portrayed. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 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
  • But the superhero family eventually regains public sympathy for superheroes after defeating the evil Screenslaver (voiced by Catherine Keener).
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Burke Law also has close ties to, and ideological sympathies with, the Administration.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • There’s probably a part of her that understands the extent to which she’s been robbed of her life, but pity isn’t the word for it.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Before the recording was played, Judge William Sullivan warned jurors not to allow sympathy, anger, passion or pity to influence their verdict.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of pity
Noun
  • Coming-of-age films with variations of these characters and dynamics come around pretty often; rather more unusual are those written and played with this degree of care and compassion.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The art of subtlety and nuance and true compassion and care for real-life people and real relationships is not a performance.
    — Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • The bride notes she was also taken in by the team’s kindness and talent.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The moment taught Ridinger that a simple act of kindness can have a lasting impact.
    — Travis Cronin, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • This math curriculum, designed around state grade-level standards, prioritizes deeper understanding, rather than memorization, to help students develop conceptual understanding over time, said district spokesperson James Canning.
    — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026
  • But doing so can unlock new understandings of what the vagus nerve does and how its role changes over time.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 11 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on empathy

Nglish: Translation of empathy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about empathy

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