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 Yet this disorientation is central to the pathos driving Youngzoo’s work. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 30 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for pathos

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pathos

Noun

Outpouring of grief The sound of sobbing underlays chanting in dozens of dialects woven together in a single expression of sorrow for Imam Hussein and his companions and family, killed and taken captive in the defining event of Shia Islam.

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026
Flitting between deadpan sorrow and impassioned romance, Bridgers’ album is alternately spooky, hilarious, mysterious and sneakily moving.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

On top of the unimaginable grief of losing her child, Baustert has been dragged through an ongoing legal marathon in her fight to hold her daughter's alleged attackers accountable.

— Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Every visit evoked grief and fury, happiness and gratitude, disbelief and mourning.

— Lina Sergie Attar, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of grief

Noun

Almodóvar’s film focuses on the suffering caused by a terminal diagnosis, and the additional anguish incurred by not having the option of aid in dying.

— Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026
With the help of an athletic trainer, Hoecht was guided to a bench and plopped down in anguish.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of anguish

Noun

The case was unsolved for decades Blandford and Bennett recount the heartache their family went through after their sister’s death.

— Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
He's considered one of the most influential rappers of all time with songs that speak to the human experience of love, heartache and familial relationships.

— CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of heartache

Noun

True to the messy nature of a break-up, the 14-song track list mirrors all of the tug and pull phases of heartbreak.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Ramona and Oona’s Breakup Ramona’s decision to go to New York results in heartbreak for both her and Oona (Bo Bragason).

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of heartbreak

Noun

But an agent may be harmed when its interests are thwarted, its autonomy denied or its existence ended without any pain or misery.

— Andréa Morris, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Things get increasingly bleak, as the family dog’s heart medicine runs out and Jason has to put him out of his misery, and then — in doomsday prepper mode — carves up the body and puts it in the freezer just in case food gets dire.

— William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of misery

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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pathos

noun

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