PATHOS Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

pathos

noun

Definition of pathos

as in sorrow

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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 pathos What makes this such an exhilarating watch is how the performers navigate every passive-aggressive aside, every catty comment, every choice bit of annoying behavior played for laughs, pathos, or both at once. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026 The comedy and the pathos and the edge and the emotion comes from truth. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 14 June 2026 The cast commits to the mounting insanity with every fiber of their being, bringing pathos and passion to these creatures of the night. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 7 June 2026 Eschewing the typical framework of a Rocky picture, Avildsen’s sequel regains some of the franchise’s lost pathos by once again making the title character human. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pathos

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pathos

Noun

As the genre’s name suggests, country music tends to be preoccupied with place; the charts are full of tributes to the satisfaction of being firmly rooted in a small town, and the sorrows of leaving it behind.

— Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
Bet your bottom dollar that Son Heung-min, LAFC’s $26-million man — the record MLS fee for an incoming player — would peel himself off the mat and clear away the cobwebs and the sorrow of the past few weeks and months.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

The ensemble drama traces the unpredictable shape of grief and family dynamics, aiming for an emotionally candid portrait of loss and the ties that hold communities together.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026
Buddhist texts often present meditation as a way of confronting uncertainty, grief, mortality and impermanence.

— Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Definition of grief

Noun

Yet, outside the excellently claustrophobic Trojan Horse scenes, Nolan is more interested in exploring his anguish than his spoils.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Your mind fills with all the defeats; all the anguish of mistakes made and opportunities missed.

— Kristine Fischer, Outdoor Life, 16 July 2026

Definition of anguish

Noun

Dimitrov, 35, is surging through the field one year after heartache on Centre Court, while Fery, the British 23-year-old, has grabbed the opportunity afforded to him by the tournament with both hands.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 2026
But Swift will want that right carved out in her prenuptial agreement to avoid potential heartache, according to multiple family attorneys.

— Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 3 July 2026

Definition of heartache

Noun

Little overnight relief Exacerbating the misery will be the lack of cooling temperatures overnight.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Smith Galer has much to say against the case for putting languages out of their misery, but her focus is on a point with which even the most unsentimental can surely sympathize.

— Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Definition of misery

Noun

While not officially ruled out, the organization appears to be prioritizing their long-term health, potentially looking beyond this season, as the Braves' injury woes mount and their division lead shrinks.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
For this is not a tale of something gone wrong, such as rising rents, redevelopment woes, etc.

— Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 20 July 2026

Definition of woe

Browse Nearby Words

pathologists

pathos

paths

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“Pathos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pathos. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of pathos

noun

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