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 Musgraves mirrors the same boldness — and empathy — that Parton imbued in her songwriting. — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026 Robust organizational infrastructure, including flexible schedules, empathy, and clear mental health pathways, is crucial. — Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 That kind of collective learning is especially important in the era of AI as distinctly human skills like attention span, curiosity, judgment, empathy and collaboration become more valuable, Kavanagh and Danielson argued. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 Studies consistently link fiction reading to higher empathy and a stronger ability to understand what others think and feel. — Mckenna Friedland, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 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
  • With a hot war raging in Ukraine, these journalists don’t want to ask for anyone’s sympathy, which in turn heightens their alienation and frustration.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • But, again, sympathy with either club should be in short supply.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of pity
Noun
  • The Kentucky native said Parton lived out her beliefs through compassion and generosity, even though some were critical of her glamorous image.
    — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This triumvirate uses their voices, their power, their compassion to embody this virtuous cycle of generosity and reciprocity without forfeiting their personhood, bodies, or resources to anyone.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • Following her death, Eloise’s family established the Living for Lulu Foundation to continue her legacy by encouraging kindness and helping animals in need.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • My mother, Cynthia, taught me to go through life with both relentless ambition and kindness.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Another key element to Rashford’s return has been his understanding with Shaw.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The Atlas promises to make the job of biologists and medical researchers considerably easier, potentially speeding up the understanding of genetic diseases and the hunt for possible cures.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on empathy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about empathy

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