1
as in benevolent
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others
a compassionate person by nature
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sympathetic
having or showing the capacity for sharing the feelings of another
a compassionate smile made the refugees feel a little better
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to pity
to have sympathy for
a gentle soul who could compassionate even the most reprobate of scoundrels and villains
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of compassionate
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
From poverty and inequality to political polarization and misinformation, Kristof explores how truth, empathy and moral courage can guide us toward a more just and compassionate society.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Yet while 67% of white people who are eligible for PrEP are on it, only 8% eligible Black people are, often citing lack of access to healthcare or to compassionate healthcare.
—Annalisa Merelli, Quartz, 20 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for compassionate
Adjective
Be compassionate, loving and kind.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
From poverty and inequality to political polarization and misinformation, Kristof explores how truth, empathy and moral courage can guide us toward a more just and compassionate society.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
The solution is to shift from empathy to compassionate accountability: Instead of feeling with the person, focus on walking beside them while holding the line.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Yet while 67% of white people who are eligible for PrEP are on it, only 8% eligible Black people are, often citing lack of access to healthcare or to compassionate healthcare.
—Annalisa Merelli, Quartz, 20 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for compassionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassionate
Adjective
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The short war in Cuba gained the United States the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico; turned the nation into a Pacific power; and created beliefs that America was a stern yet benevolent country tasked by Destiny to enforce peace and bring prosperity to the world.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Oct. 2025
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Since that time, says Paine, even those fortunate enough to live under benevolent rule have seldom been more than one generation away from yet another dreadful monarch.—
Matthew Redmond,
The Conversation,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Also, what a great thing to get to be a sweet, sympathetic character at the end who also can’t forgive himself.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
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This monster is the precursor to slasher villains like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees, who lumber along on their killing sprees, though this blueprint is far more sympathetic.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As for whether Hart, who is shown in the opening scene of the film collapsed in an alley, should be pitied, Hawke says that’s too simple of an emotion for the brilliant, but complicated character.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Oct. 2025
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But pity the Globes, SAG, Critics Choice and other shows that used to thrive by getting to recognize television’s top new shows before the Emmys.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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After almost getting run over by two cars in heavy rain, a tiny black kitten was saved by a kind stranger who stopped to help him and ended up taking him home.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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During high school, Morgan dates Chris (Scott Eastwood), who is magnetic but inconsiderate, and her sister dates Chris’s best friend, Jonah (Dave Franco), who is shy and kind.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Immersive and profoundly empathetic, THE TALE OF SILYAN is a cinematic and poetic reflection on the interdependence between humans and nature.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
24 Oct. 2025
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The number reflects both growing awareness and the need for accessible, empathetic intervention.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Some trappers focus on humane, live-capture and relocation for nuisance animals, while others are licensed hunters who can legally trap and kill animals during hunting seasons.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
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Farms are required to follow humane treatment and euthanasia standards for the animals, Hobbs said.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But the most important thing for me is an empathic connection to a person.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
25 Oct. 2025
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Typical eldest daughter characteristics include being responsible, independent, empathic, caring, a perfectionist, stressed and anxious, the Cleveland Clinic notes.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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For a thoughtful gift, package Joanna Gaines’ vanilla sugar with a bag of coffee beans, a cute mug, or a small French press to create a complete coffee kit.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Oct. 2025
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For families who value that approach, Carruth’s books offer a thoughtful and accessible way to encourage shared reading and meaningful connection.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Compassionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassionate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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