commiserate (with) 1 of 2

verb

kə-ˈmi-zə-ˌrāt How to pronounce commiserate (with) (audio)
Definition of commiserate (with)next
as in to pity
to have sympathy for we commiserated with him but there was little we could do to make the situation better

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commiseration

2 of 2

noun

1
as in sympathy
sorrow or the capacity to feel sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune letters of commiseration sent to the hospitalized student

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2
as in kindness
the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune a heartless businessman with no commiseration for the less fortunate

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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 commiserate (with)
  1. pity
  2. sympathy
  3. kindness
  4. compassion
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
Definition of pity
Noun
  • Much like filmmaking, which is perhaps why the movie finds sympathy in a tale of concession and economic exploitation.
    — Matt Shaw, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office announced Yates’ death a day later and offered sympathies to his family in a Jan. 17, 2024 news release.
    — Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • Beyond baseball, Art was known for his kindness, humor, and deep appreciation for the people around him.
    — Daniel Brown, The Athletic, 9 Mar. 2025
  • And for Katelyn, the internet's kindness has arrived exactly at the right time.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • And everything with her is effortless compassion and empathy.
    — C. R. Walker, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Read the full Pisces Daily Horoscope Aries (March 21 - April 19) Driven by compassion?
    — USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of compassion
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Commiserate (with).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commiserate%20%28with%29. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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