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Synonym Chooser

How is the word pathetic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of pathetic are affecting, impressive, moving, poignant, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

How are the words affecting and moving related as synonyms of pathetic?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When can impressive be used instead of pathetic?

In some situations, the words impressive and pathetic are roughly equivalent. However, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When is moving a more appropriate choice than pathetic?

The synonyms moving and pathetic are sometimes interchangeable, but moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When could poignant be used to replace pathetic?

While in some cases nearly identical to pathetic, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

Where would touching be a reasonable alternative to pathetic?

Although the words touching and pathetic have much in common, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

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 pathetic How pathetic that is to have to even say it. Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025 That does not sound pathetic and small to me. Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 14 Aug. 2025 Kamala has lied for years about their pathetic job growth, which has never been real. Meg Kinnard, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025 Needy Bill has become more pathetic than ever. Judy Berman, Time, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pathetic
Adjective
  • The pitiful screaming of surviving family members can be heard.
    Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • As del Toro sees it, Frankenstein’s pitiful creation has been cursed with life, cannot be killed (even bullets don’t stop him) and must face the same existential crisis that confronts us all.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This one is trickier and sadder to think about.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Composite image created by Newsweek shows two older people looking worried and a piggy bank with a sad face on its side.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Jeremiah is miserable, has nowhere to live, and is trying to find meaning through meaningless flings.
    Olivia Petter, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Arizona Cardinals and head coach Jonathan Gannon made life miserable for Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and head coach Dave Canales, from start to finish, Sunday at State Farm Stadium.
    DIAMOND VENCES, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 2016 World Series champion walked in free agency that offseason to the Philadelphia Phillies where he's produced at a ridiculous level on a perennial National League contender.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Like his Washington, Bargatze’s Farnsworth regaled a trio of underlings (SNL cast members Bowen Yang, Mikey Day, and James Austin Johnson) with ridiculous yet accurate predictions for the future, in this case of TV.
    Judy Berman, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cutting carbs entirely can raise the risk of cholesterol, kidney stones, poor bone health, gut problems, and even cancer, added Stefanki.
    Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Before Wednesday’s game, people within the organization were optimistic about Helsley putting his tipping problem and overall poor pitching behind him, pointing to a clean inning Monday.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His relentless prepackaged positivity — even in the wake of depressing game day results — turned him into something of a punch line.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The depressing effect of the seasonality is somewhat offset by the ‘5’ effect.
    Bill Sarubbi, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Another main issue is that the power grind itself now being the endgame is no longer a good motivator to play, nor is the Tier system with 3s not much different than 4s or 5s, and all past weapons being somewhat lame now outside of that system entirely.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Paine proposed a lump sum payment of £15 (£2,306 in 2025) to everyone reaching the age of twenty-one and a £10 (£1,537 in 2025) annual pension for the blind and lame, as well as for those fifty and older.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s no denying that catfish noodling is an absurd sport.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Barely any other media in recent times has given me an instant shock of glee or revulsion like this absurd anarcho-cartoon being stretched and squeezed to its most grotesque and wholesome clickbait limits.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pathetic. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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