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

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as in kindness

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

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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 The United States was taught a harsh lesson in compassion as the reality of the Holocaust unfolded. —

Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026 All About Love by bell hooks Author bell hooks redefines love as an active practice rooted in care, compassion, and commitment rather than romance or desire. —

Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 June 2026 Chopra bears witness to these histories with compassion. —

Literary Hub, 26 June 2026 Families facing difficult diagnoses deserve compassion, not condemnation. —

Michelle Sie Whitten, STAT, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for compassion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassion

Noun

Jones has an enormous amount of sympathy for his father, who was totally in over his head.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 3 July 2026
After Kean’s statement, Representative Ritchie Torres, who has spoken about his own treatment for depression, expressed sympathy but argued that long absences from public office deserve explanation.

— Brian Castrucci, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of sympathy

Noun

All of us are invited to choose to become better human beings and to show up at work and in the world with increasing love, kindness, courage and forgiveness.

— Mikhail Shneyder, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
That instinct to lean into life with curiosity, optimism, and kindness is, perhaps, America's greatest attraction.

— Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

Their coupling instantly captured the attention and hearts of fans around the world, and Swift’s presence at Chiefs games was even credited with bolstering female interest in NFL football.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026

Definition of heart

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“Compassion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassion. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of compassion

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