PATHOS Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

pathos

noun

Definition of pathos

as in sorrow

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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 pathos Both young actresses are able to navigate Leigh’s delicate emotional terrain with an incredible amount of charm and a capacity for devastatingly relatable pathos. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026 There’s this pathos and sympathy built in, particularly and surprisingly enough with Aileen Wuornos. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026 Pacino gives one of the most exhausted yet energetic performances in cinematic history, and Chris Sarandon grounds the whole thing in genuine pathos. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 Now, The End of Oak Street is proving a dino blockbuster that serves up prehistoric horror with a side of genuine pathos is still a worthy endeavor. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pathos

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pathos

Noun

But genuinely funny moments are rare, badly outnumbered by done-to-death musings regarding the mysteries of being alive and torturous melodramatic moments in which Klara dully absorbs the severity of Josie’s illness and Chrissy’s sorrow.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Crystal’s deep and profound sorrow at the loss of his director and friend Rob Reiner, not to mention Robin WIlliams, are very much present in the show.

— Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

The death was met by a swell of grief, including from former Mexican leaders across the political spectrum.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Harvard Health’s advice on coping with holiday grief suggests adjusting celebrations or starting new traditions when old ones feel too painful.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of grief

Noun

In a masterful unbroken shot, Klaus is on the phone from France with his sister, expressing his bottomless anguish.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Polly, by contrast, reads the manuscript and is immediately filled with anguish and all-consuming fury.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of anguish

Noun

With Taylor Swift, a precocious teen met listeners in their own teenage heartache, their deep-seeded loneliness, and that overarching, painful desire to fit in with a collection of country-pop gems.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026
Portwood also appeared on The Next Chapter that season, sharing her heartache after Leah rejected her recent entreaties.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of heartache

Noun

Through lush orchestral arrangements, Estrada sang about finding joy after heartbreak and loss — and made her fans feel a little less alone during bleak times.

— Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2026
But beneath the swagger is a romantic with a talent for heartbreak.

— Greg Dixon, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of heartbreak

Noun

Adding to the misery, Jason Sanders — a longtime Dolphins kicker in his first season with the Jets — hit the right upright on a 40-yard try.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
With Dunham as creator, showrunner and star, the original series ran from 2012 to 2017 and followed a group of friends through the misery and dysfunction of their 20s in New York City.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of misery

Noun

Simon Wohlfahrt | Afp | Getty Images As France’s economic and political woes mount, investors are asking whether the country’s debt problems risk contaminating the rest of the euro zone.

— Jenni Reid,Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
The Rams’ injury woes continued Thursday when star receiver Puka Nacua left practice because of a calf injury, a team official said.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of woe

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pathologists

pathos

paths

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“Pathos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pathos. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of pathos

noun

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