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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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 Humility and empathy, as well as a commitment to what's made Burton Burton. — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 But empathy for them is still unthinkable for many in Israel, with memories raw. — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 Caring for themselves gives them greater capacity for empathy, compassion and service. — Michael Corvini, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 This could allow human personnel to concentrate on duties requiring judgment, empathy and discretion while reducing their exposure to hazardous situations. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy

Noun

But Trump’s persistent sympathy for Russia’s position remains a mystery of our time.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Public sympathy for Palestinians is widespread in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, and the government has long supported an independent Palestinian state.

— Niniek Karmini, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 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

No, any empathy felt for Pam Voorhees (Linda Cardellini) and her son, Jason (Callum Vinson), stems from natural human compassion.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
His support of Misericordia reflected his deep compassion for the individuals and families who make up our community.

— Tom Barnas, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of compassion

Noun

The play is largely a study in kindness, in both form and subject — even while facing the tough inevitabilities of any life.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
In that interview, Williams discussed growing up in New York, overcoming adversity and the importance of treating others with kindness.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of kindness

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“Empathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empathy. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of empathy

noun

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