COMPASSION Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

compassion

noun

kəm-ˈpa-shən

Definition of compassion next

as in sympathy

sorrow or the capacity to feel sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune treats the homeless with great compassion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in kindness

the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune has no compassion for people who squander their money

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Agatha then feels compassion for Billy and decides to do the same for him. —

Nick Romano, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024 Being in tune with your employees and team members’ needs, challenges, and emotions empowers anyone to lead with compassion by fostering a work environment where employees know they are seen, heard, and valued. —

Brent Gleeson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The Jewish obligation to give, tzedakah, was the source of her compassion. —

Lee Habeeb, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Our campaign stood on principles — that were fueled by the values of common sense, compassion and consensus. —

Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for compassion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassion

Noun

Shah’s prior political proclamations might not buy her any sympathy with Trump.

Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Reuters reported last month that nearly half of the election boards of the five largest counties in each of the seven battleground states have members who have expressed sympathy for Trump’s claims that the election is highly susceptible to fraud.

Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024