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
LeBlanc never moves her camera away from the ground level; there are no policy prescriptions, no litanies of statistics and no melodramatic statements about pity or persistence. Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025 But there were those few who seemed to appreciate (if also pity) our little Tocquevillian platoon. Kent Russell, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
Jesse Eisenberg — who wrote, directed, and stars opposite Culkin — is the ostensible protagonist David, Benji’s uptight, socially awkward cousin who envies and pities him in equal measure, but A Real Pain is Culkin’s showcase. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025 Cue more sofa wails and pitying looks at family gatherings when relatives ask you about your love life. Olivia Petter, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for pity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pity
Noun
  • There shouldn't be shame in aging—not all of us are trying to look 30.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • Nearly all the gifts showered upon them had morphed into curses: The wealth vanished, the children were struck dead, and the fame transformed into shame.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Viewers flooded the comments with words of encouragement and concern, expressing sympathy for his state of mind and urging him to take care of his mental health.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 May 2025
  • Other footwear stocks rose in sympathy following the announcement.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • The anti-book club, book club: Why people are loving silent reading events Need a new book?
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • For texture, Drew loves working with plaster and lime wash to create that softness.
    Eleni N. Gage, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Thousands of TikTok users were moved by their reunion and began sharing their own stories of silent kindness from strangers.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
  • Following her death, Blake Lively shared a heartfelt tribute on social media remembering the actress’ kindness and dedication to her craft.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • Our world needs symbols of hope, compassion and something greater than the struggles of this life.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
  • Their courage should prompt compassion, not condemnation.
    Laura Castañeda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • But most importantly, Cuban wore his heart on his jacket sleeves for fellow entrepreneurs coming onto the show.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • Tessa may not be ready for the dangers that Hardin presents to her heart and her dreams.
    Megan Vick, EW.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • The realtor also pulled permits to help determine a timeline of events to understand when some of the damage occurred.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • To understand what’s at stake amid the NNSA’s workforce woes, USA TODAY interviewed current and former agency officials and reviewed decades of watchdog reports, safety records and other official documents.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pity. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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