commiseration

noun

Definition of commiserationnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 commiseration
  1. sympathy
  2. kindness
  3. compassion
Noun
  • Shares of Advanced Micro Devices and Micron Technology fell 7% and 1%, respectively, in sympathy.
    — Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
  • And some had sympathy for what seemed like his intuitive habit, urging the creator and others in the comments to avoid judgement based on his past.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • At the time of publication, the video of her efforts has been watched over 228,000 times, with users flocking to offer words of kindness in the comments section.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Becky’s independence, kindness, determination and beauty will live on through her forever.
    — Becca Longmire, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes with compassion can be extremely helpful.
    — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • While Mateo's future had once been uncertain, his viral story has shown the difference compassion can make.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 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.

Browse Nearby Words

commiserating (with)
commiseration
commiserative
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Cite this Entry

“Commiseration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commiseration. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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