COMMISERATION Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'commiseration' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of commiseration are compassion , condolence , pity , and sympathy . While all these words mean "the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another," commiseration suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort. // murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters

Q: In what contexts can 'compassion' take the place of 'commiseration'?

The words compassion and commiseration can be used in similar contexts, but compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare. // treats the homeless with great compassion

Q: When is 'condolence' a more appropriate choice than 'commiseration'?

While the synonyms condolence and commiseration are close in meaning, condolence applies chiefly to formal expression of grief to one who has suffered loss. // expressed their condolences to the widow

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pity' instead of 'commiseration'?

While in some cases nearly identical to commiseration , pity implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress. // felt pity for the captives

Q: When could 'sympathy' be used to replace 'commiseration'?

The words sympathy and commiseration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

commiseration

noun

Definition of commiseration next

as in sympathy

sorrow or the capacity to feel sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune letters of commiseration sent to the hospitalized student

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in kindness

the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune a heartless businessman with no commiseration for the less fortunate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun commiseration contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of commiseration are compassion, condolence, pity, and sympathy. While all these words mean "the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another," commiseration suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort.

murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters

In what contexts can compassion take the place of commiseration?

The words compassion and commiseration can be used in similar contexts, but compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

treats the homeless with great compassion

When is condolence a more appropriate choice than commiseration?

While the synonyms condolence and commiseration are close in meaning, condolence applies chiefly to formal expression of grief to one who has suffered loss.

expressed their condolences to the widow

When is it sensible to use pity instead of commiseration?

While in some cases nearly identical to commiseration, pity implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress.

felt pity for the captives

When could sympathy be used to replace commiseration?

The words sympathy and commiseration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commiseration

Noun

After sharing his story online, commenters expressed sympathy for the boy’s situation, calling his father’s behavior selfish and neglectful.

— Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
For now, at least, the tragic backstories primarily serve as shortcuts to drum up sympathy for these characters.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025

Definition of sympathy

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.

Cite this Entry

Style

“Commiseration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commiseration. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 28 Oct 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of commiseration

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on commiseration

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

deliquesce

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of commiseration

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on commiseration

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

deliquesce

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Games & Quizzes