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

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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 Musicians including Big Daddy Kane, Fat Joe and Kid Capri expressed their condolences online. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025 Nigeria’s current president Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered his condolences to Buhari’s wife and ordered his vice president to travel to the UK to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. —Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 13 July 2025 The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents. —Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025 Many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed their condolences and support as details of the floods have come out. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for condolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condolence
  1. sympathy
  2. regret
Noun
  • This compared to 28 percent who had sympathy for the royals and 68 percent who had either not very much or none.
    — Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
  • Finally, Trump Seems to Get Putin Then came this week’s weapons deal along with more sympathy for Ukraine and more praise for NATO and its leader.
    — Tom Nagorski, Time, 18 July 2025
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • Filled with grief, shame and regret after being confronted, Shalla-Bal flies off into space, leaving Earth.
    — Keith Langston, People.com, 25 July 2025
  • Something Beautiful is an album of soaring regret and fantasy, a pivot into the themes of late youth.
    — Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
Definition of regret

Browse Nearby Words

condoled (with)
condolence
condoles
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Cite this Entry

“Condolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condolence. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of condolence for Spanish Speakers

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