compassion

1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun compassion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of compassion are commiseration, condolence, pity, and sympathy. While all these words mean "the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another," compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

treats the homeless with great compassion

When might commiseration be a better fit than compassion?

While in some cases nearly identical to compassion, commiseration suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort.

murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters

Where would condolence be a reasonable alternative to compassion?

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

expressed their condolences to the widow

In what contexts can pity take the place of compassion?

In some situations, the words pity and compassion are roughly equivalent. However, pity implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress.

felt pity for the captives

When is sympathy a more appropriate choice than compassion?

The words sympathy and compassion can be used in similar contexts, but 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 compassion Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the original film, brings a sensible compassion to Mrs. Kekoa, a social worker who is less looming villain and more genuine civil servant. EW.com, 20 May 2025 Courage in politics reveals our fundamental cares—devotion to abstract principles such as equality, due process, and compassion. Michael Luo, New Yorker, 20 May 2025 That’s the difference between empathy and compassion, which is key to being a good leader. Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 Now the announcement on Sunday, May 18, that the 82-year-old has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, one that has metastasized to the bone, has prompted a surge of sympathy and compassion. Susan Page, USA Today, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for compassion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassion
Noun
  • Back home, Ramaphosa briefly enjoyed a wave of sympathy for remaining composed during what was the latest ambush of a foreign leader at the Oval Office.
    Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 2025
  • The Bidens have elicited some sympathy during these hard times.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Researchers explored how prosocial behavior, acts of genuine kindness and concern for others influences perceptions of physical attractiveness.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • But Mike throws the man’s kindness back in his face by knocking him out and lifting his watch and wallet.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • But to earn their trust and loyalty, brands need to understand their realities and meet them with empathy, transparency and action.
    Nandan Sheth, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Epictetus’s and Nietzsche’s worries about pity or compassion carry over to empathy.
    Colin Marshall, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • All of our hearts are broken … our sadness is gut wrenching - there’s a hole, something is missing.
    Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2025
  • Pregnant women are at high risk for severe disease and studies show that the likelihood of miscarriage, stillbirth and pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, blood clots, heart and kidney damage and hypertension are much higher among women who develop COVID-19 during pregnancy.
    Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 29 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compassion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassion. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on compassion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!