pity 1 of 2

pity

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pity are commiseration, compassion, condolence, and sympathy. While all these words mean "the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another," pity implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress.

felt pity for the captives

When is it sensible to use commiseration instead of pity?

The words commiseration and pity can be used in similar contexts, but commiseration suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort.

murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters

When can compassion be used instead of pity?

While in some cases nearly identical to pity, compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

treats the homeless with great compassion

When might condolence be a better fit than pity?

The synonyms condolence and pity are sometimes interchangeable, but condolence applies chiefly to formal expression of grief to one who has suffered loss.

expressed their condolences to the widow

When could sympathy be used to replace pity?

In some situations, the words sympathy and pity are roughly equivalent. However, sympathy often suggests a tender concern but can also imply a power to enter into another's emotional experience of any sort.

went to my best friend for sympathy
in sympathy with her desire to locate her natural parents

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 pity
Noun
The film doesn’t ask for sympathy for this family or present them as objects of pity. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 29 Mar. 2025 But Luca’s whole vibe doesn’t exactly invite empathy, and Fisk takes no pity on the guy. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
Cue more sofa wails and pitying looks at family gatherings when relatives ask you about your love life. Olivia Petter, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024 Gi-hun and Jun-ho’s simultaneous searches have been equally unsuccessful, and the people in their lives seem to pity them. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for pity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pity
Noun
  • Adidas Has Double Discounts on Comfy Sneakers and Travel-ready Styles—Deals Start at $27 Vionic Tide Melo Sandals $85 $55 at Amazon These Tide Melo sandals put regular flip-flops to shame.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2025
  • After the Halls admitted the charges were true, both resigned in shame — Katie serving probation and Junifer going to federal prison for 16 months.
    Steve Patterson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And some had sympathy for what seemed like his intuitive habit, urging the creator and others in the comments to avoid judgement based on his past.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Shares of Advanced Micro Devices and Micron Technology fell 7% and 1%, respectively, in sympathy.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Courtesy of Loloi The collaboration is rounded out by 20 throw pillows, which Brent loves for their ability to encourage individuality.
    Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Some may love the public display, but emotions can run high and, in general, nobody wants to be proposed to amidst a crowd of tourists, traffic, or New York construction—especially if your love is on the timid side.
    Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the time of publication, the video of her efforts has been watched over 228,000 times, with users flocking to offer words of kindness in the comments section.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Becky’s independence, kindness, determination and beauty will live on through her forever.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes with compassion can be extremely helpful.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Weinstein writes this unholy trinity of Rabbis with compassion and levity.
    Leah Abrams, Them., 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Yellows 1, 2, 3 and 4: Were all banned in 1959 after they were potentially linked to lesions and heart damage.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • For a lot of kids, playing FNF at its peak—before development stalled, before mods went awry—seems to hold a special place in their hearts.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Dave [Watson] and his team have worked hard to understand the reasons for this disconnect and have identified two primary causes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2025
  • And of course, there’s the need to understand and report on any unexpected and game-changing social media post from the White House.
    Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pity. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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