empathy

Definition of empathynext

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 ensemble cast is stacked, and Anderson’s direction balances urgency with empathy. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026 Here, Levinson-Blount speaks with Deadline about the complications of war and the need for empathy in today’s society. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026 Walz pleaded for calm after Floyd’s death but also stood out as a white political leader who expressed empathy toward Black Americans and their experiences with police violence. Steve Karnowski, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026 That means being intentional about listening to colleagues, clients and communities, and responding with empathy, to build trust and strengthen relationships. Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy
Noun
  • For Olivo, those messages were a reminder of the compassion that exists even in moments of sadness.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • This sense of compassion for the kill-hungry infected is new to the series, and while DaCosta and Garland take risks by playing tender moments between Kelson and Samson almost for laughs, the undeniable pathos provides a welcome break from the overriding tension.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Aside from coordinating protests, protesters are reliant on internet connections with the outside world to broadcast pictures and videos of the crackdown to elicit international sympathy.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Smith’s face, with the smoke-black eyes and hair of his Cherokee mother, seemed to beg for sympathy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • For months afterward, kindness arrived in unexpected forms — neighbors bringing food, strangers offering furniture, friends calling daily.
    Jonathan Taplin, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Does their lack of kindness grant you permission to respond with equal insensitivity or even cruelty?
    Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Spirit, energy and enthusiasm When there were loud external calls for upgrades at safety in August, head coach Dave Canales firmly backed Scott because of his leadership and understanding of the defense.
    Mike Kaye January 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Tensor said the system emphasizes contextual understanding rather than simple object detection, allowing the AI to adapt to complex and unpredictable real-world driving conditions.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • They’ve even been repped by the same agency, for pity’s sake.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
  • President Washington refused to be rushed by either pity or anger.
    Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Empathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empathy. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on empathy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!