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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 old chestnut of package tracking scams has not vanished, more’s the pity. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 The real pity of it is the phenomenal tasting experiences and touchstones to their omas (grandmas) so many people could have had. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Verb
Just thinking about the poor suckers who had to guard her in high school makes Fudd pity them. Grace Raynor, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025 In this type of thinking, the desire to be alone is seen as unnatural and unhealthy, something to be pitied or feared rather than valued or encouraged. Virginia Thomas, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pity
Noun
  • His parents, Polish immigrants who fled German conquest and discrimination, took Indian land—and felt shame over doing so, having been uprooted themselves.
    Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025
  • Their cruelty is wielded without shame or restraint.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Richard, his family, and his counsel express their deep and sincere sympathy for the family of Edwina Marter.
    Khaleda Rahman Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
  • Fans, followers and fellow parents took to the comment section to share their sympathy — and confusion.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny are two players who any team would love to have.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • Patriots may also love this Declaration T-shirt, which serves as a reminder that freedom is declared, defended and lived everyday.
    Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, the designer’s intentions are based on high ideals — kindness, tolerance and humility among them — even if his methods can sometime shock.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
  • Coach Wall was a remarkable individual whose kindness and genuine spirit touched all who knew him.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The lessons of compassion and resilience in the book will guide her path forward.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • The following are steps that managers and supervisors can take to promote compassion, create psychological safety, and show solidarity during these challenging times.
    Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Rather than solely leaning on designing for moneyed families and those with means to drop thousands on new pieces each season, the designer opts to create from his heart.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 22 June 2025
  • Roth went right for Rubin’s heart, invoking the Paul Skenes Topps MLB Debut Patch autographed one-of-one card that famously sold for $1.11 million to Dick’s Sporting Goods in March.
    Larry Holder, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • More research is needed to better understand why diabetic people on GLP-1s have increased eye disease, Shor said.
    Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
  • The mission’s detailed investigation of Europa will help scientists better understand the astrobiological potential for habitable worlds beyond our planet.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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