PATHETIC Synonyms: 198 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'pathetic' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of pathetic are affecting , impressive , moving , poignant , and touching . While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt. // pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

Q: How are the words 'affecting' and 'moving' related as synonyms of 'pathetic'?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos. // an affecting deathbed reunion

Q: When can 'impressive' be used instead of 'pathetic'?

In some situations, the words impressive and pathetic are roughly equivalent. However, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction. // an impressive list of achievements

Q: When is 'moving' a more appropriate choice than 'pathetic'?

The synonyms moving and pathetic are sometimes interchangeable, but moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy. // a moving appeal for contributions

Q: When could 'poignant' be used to replace 'pathetic'?

While in some cases nearly identical to pathetic , poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities. // a poignant documentary on the homeless

Q: Where would 'touching' be a reasonable alternative to 'pathetic'?

Although the words touching and pathetic have much in common, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion. // the touching innocence in a child's eyes

pathetic

adjective

pə-ˈthe-tik

Definition of pathetic next

as in pitiful

deserving of one's pity the plight of the homeless family was quite pathetic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sad

causing unhappiness a pathetic story that made her cry

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as in miserable

deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy) the crowd mercilessly booed the boxer's pathetic performance

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as in ridiculous

so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter the pundit's latest book is another pathetic jumble of factual errors, half-baked political views, and baseless accusations

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pathetic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of pathetic are affecting, impressive, moving, poignant, and touching. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," pathetic implies moving to pity or sometimes contempt.

pathetic attempts to justify misconduct

How are the words affecting and moving related as synonyms of pathetic?

Affecting is close to moving but most often suggests pathos.

an affecting deathbed reunion

When can impressive be used instead of pathetic?

In some situations, the words impressive and pathetic are roughly equivalent. However, impressive implies compelling attention, admiration, wonder, or conviction.

an impressive list of achievements

When is moving a more appropriate choice than pathetic?

The synonyms moving and pathetic are sometimes interchangeable, but moving may apply to any strong emotional effect including thrilling, agitating, saddening, or calling forth pity or sympathy.

a moving appeal for contributions

When could poignant be used to replace pathetic?

While in some cases nearly identical to pathetic, poignant applies to what keenly or sharply affects one's sensitivities.

a poignant documentary on the homeless

Where would touching be a reasonable alternative to pathetic?

Although the words touching and pathetic have much in common, touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

the touching innocence in a child's eyes

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 pathetic Something drastic has to be done with this pathetic group of men masquerading as basketball players. —

Ticked Off, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2025 On Vanderpump Rules, this man was smug, pathetic, punchable. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2025 How pathetic could a beautiful man in a beautiful movie really be? —

Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 10 Jan. 2025 In the final, pathetic weeks of his failed presidency, Joe Biden has been casting about desperately for a positive legacy. —

Jack Butler, National Review, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pathetic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pathetic

Adjective

But that resulted in a pitiful rebounding effort and a below-average defense.

— Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
This isn’t to say Orlok isn’t evil, but that his evilness does not exclude him from being pitiful.

— Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 10 Jan. 2025