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 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
  1. sympathy
  2. pity
  3. compassion
  4. kindness
  5. understanding
Noun
  • More recently, Eisenkot has emerged as a figure of solidity and a focus of sympathy.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Shares of Vistra and Talen Energy were up more than 9% Tuesday in sympathy.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • All eyes were trained in my direction, watching my every move, all conveying their pity.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of pity
Noun
  • Caring for themselves gives them greater capacity for empathy, compassion and service.
    — Michael Corvini, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • While introducing the film, Stan reflected on the questions of judgment and need for compassion at the heart of its story.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 5 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
Noun
  • Brandon is looking for a nurturing family that can provide him with a sense of understanding and support.
    — The Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026
  • For about a decade, the mainstream understanding has been that psychedelics cause chaos in the brain.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 Oct. 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 13 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on empathy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about empathy

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