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 In the first Kindness Crew book, Pooch on the Loose, the trio help find a home for an energetic shelter dog in a funny and entertaining story that highlights inclusivity, compassion and empathy. — Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026 Put aside our differences and come together with empathy and understanding for each other. — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026 James has also said her comments were merely an expression of empathy for Jane Doe. — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2026 What readers are saying The comments reflect a deep concern and empathy for those affected by dementia, particularly Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), and the challenges faced by caregivers. — Margaret Hetherman, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy

Noun

Elsewhere, there’s no sympathy for the complexity of the challenge facing the American and Israeli strategists who instigated the conflict.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2026
When Lee mentions Nathan Spence was meant to attend the program, Jed barely flinches, expressing sympathy for the boy’s confused and grieving mother.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of sympathy

Noun

The pity of the judge who imprisoned them here was cold comfort for a group of people who had little reason to trust any legal authority.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
Still, the track eventually collides into a seasick wall of distortion that recalls lovesliescrushing’s weightless takes on shoegaze as Pitchkites sings of unmet expectations and self pity.

— Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of pity

Noun

What feels like a weight of helplessness and sorrow on our shoulders may, with enough space, also reflect our remarkable capacities for strength, steadfastness, and compassion.

— Robert M. Kinast, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026
Her solution was to offer kindness and compassion — not to name an enemy and a fix.

— Kaivan Shroff, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of compassion

Noun

And where the kindness of others helped make his own remarkable journey here in America and the Fox Valley possible.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
Tristan, teens going to Patriots game Word of their acts of kindness caught the attention of Michael Intoccia, who saw the story on WBZ-TV.

— Paul Burton, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

Comparing election outcomes across various tallying methods provides a better understanding of functions and counting techniques.

— Ismar Volić, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Police there credit the technology with helping officers locate and arrest suspects while providing a better understanding of potentially dangerous situations before arriving.

— Da Lin, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of understanding

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“Empathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empathy. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of empathy

noun

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