condolence

noun

Definition of condolencenext
as in sympathy
a feeling or expression of care and sadness especially when someone is suffering because of the death of a family member, a friend, etc. The governor issued a statement of condolence to the victims' families. a letter of condolence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun condolence contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of condolence are commiseration, compassion, pity, and sympathy. While all these words mean "the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another," condolence applies chiefly to formal expression of grief to one who has suffered loss.

expressed their condolences to the widow

When can commiseration be used instead of condolence?

In some situations, the words commiseration and condolence are roughly equivalent. However, commiseration suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort.

murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters

When would compassion be a good substitute for condolence?

The meanings of compassion and condolence largely overlap; however, compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

treats the homeless with great compassion

In what contexts can pity take the place of condolence?

While in some cases nearly identical to condolence, 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 condolence?

The words sympathy and condolence 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 condolence Cheers to the fans on the right side of these highlights, and condolences for those about to relive their disappointment. —Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025 Acting President Choi Sang-mok offered deep condolences during a Cabinet meeting over the child’s death and ordered the education ministry and the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident at the school in the city of Daejeon. —Reuters, NBC News, 11 Feb. 2025 David Stern, search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard District Eleven, offered condolences to Lee’s friends and family. —Abigail Adams, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025 Our heartfelt condolences are with those affected by this tragic incident. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for condolence

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Cite this Entry

“Condolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condolence. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of condolence for Spanish Speakers

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