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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 evening ends with everyone hating Matt and feeling no pity as he’s hauled away in an ambulance. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025 If you're met with pity about your child's autism, don't be afraid to correct your colleagues politely. Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
Often, the authors are wrestling with grief, trauma or loss, and find solace in the company of an animal who isn’t forced to be their companion, and doesn’t pity or judge them. Alexandra Alter, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025 Jesse Eisenberg — who wrote, directed, and stars opposite Culkin — is the ostensible protagonist David, Benji’s uptight, socially awkward cousin who envies and pities him in equal measure, but A Real Pain is Culkin’s showcase. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pity
Noun
  • Not only was this request rejected, but on each occasion that Lee privately visited the police, the media was tipped off in advance, forcing the actor to take a walk of shame past a sea of reporters and cameras ready and poised at the station’s entrance — further feeding the media frenzy.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
  • But how does an actor expose himself to pain and suffering — and shame?
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 20 May 2025
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
  • Grant’s toughness is rooted in playing baseball alongside two older brothers who spared no sympathy.
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • My articles are aimed at Culture Vultures who love to seek out the most interesting exhibitions, films, theatre, museums or other cultural events.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • This dirt cake is light and fluffy but decadent enough for adults to love, too.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 26 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
  • Neither the writer-director — whose influences here include Mike Leigh, Ken Loach and Gus Van Sant — nor lead Frank Dillane, who acts with a nervy volatility offset by insouciant charm and humor, courts our sympathies, even as the film shows unquestionable compassion.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
  • What makes the company stand out, according to its owners, is a blend of artistry, technology and sense of compassion in the grieving process.
    Jessie Schiewe, Los Angeles Times, 23 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
Verb
  • To understand what’s at stake amid the NNSA’s workforce woes, USA TODAY interviewed current and former agency officials and reviewed decades of watchdog reports, safety records and other official documents.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • The realtor also pulled permits to help determine a timeline of events to understand when some of the damage occurred.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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