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 Their path eventually crosses that of Greta, an Italian doctor whose empathy and resilience shine through the situation. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 July 2026 Spain claims to champion women, but her empathy seems entirely dependent on whether the woman agrees with Sarah Spain. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 During the series’ panel at the 2026 San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, July 24, Schafer, 27, opened up about how playing Cora, a human on a journey alongside a replicant, taught her about humanity and empathy. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 All of these actions help build brains that support self-regulation, resilience, literacy and empathy. — Dana Suskind, Md, CNBC, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy

Noun

Trump has pardoned virtually all Capitol rioters and frequently expresses sympathy for them.

— Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 31 July 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 sympathy

Noun

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
And that’s a pity, because birthright citizenship brings many practical benefits to the United States today—arguments that the nation needs to hear, given the campaign being mounted against it.

— Amanda Frost, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026

Definition of pity

Noun

Life would not be the same without you, your vision, your kindness, your compassion, your love, your sexiness, your intelligence, your warmth, your friendship, your wisdom.

— Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Post Malone and comedian Michelle Buteau appear as members of the community who help demonstrate how even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference during recovery.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 30 July 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

Despite centuries of scientific understanding, myths continue to circulate online and by word of mouth.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Rezaei accused Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding and launching attacks without first referring the issue to the dispute resolution committee.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of understanding

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

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Synonyms of empathy

noun

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