compassion

noun

kəm-ˈpa-shən How to pronounce compassion (audio)
Definition of compassionnext
1
as in sympathy
sorrow or the capacity to feel sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune treats the homeless with great compassion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in kindness
the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune has no compassion for people who squander their money

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 surprise announcement by military leaders who also head the unelected government came late Wednesday on state television MRTV, which said the halt in fighting would run until April 22 to show compassion for people affected by Friday's quake. —Arkansas Online, 3 Apr. 2025 Strengths like empathy and compassion, decision making, teamwork and collaboration will remain highly valuable in the workplace for years to come, says Hyams. —Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025 Armstrong emphasized compassion for federal workers when discussing the cuts in Thursday’s interview. —Julia Shapero, The Hill, 29 Mar. 2025 Founded on principles of compassion, their treatments blend clinical psychology and Eastern philosophy together, which many have found to be a beneficial approach. —Kara Markley Sterling, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compassion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassion
  1. sympathy
  2. kindness
  3. empathy
  4. heart
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
  • His unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to serving others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Sure, the product is important, but kindness—the opposite of rudeness and apathy—is what keeps them coming back.
    — Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • That shows the family is teaching empathy, mutual respect, and emotional intelligence—precisely the opposite of what the uncle accused them of lacking.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • But empathy without curiosity can lead to misalignment.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of empathy
Noun
  • He’s done so much for the organization, given his heart and soul to it and building a culture that’s respected.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Molly's close friendship with Nikki, portrayed by Jenny Slate, is at the emotional heart of the series.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of heart

Browse Nearby Words

compassing
compassion
compassionate
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Cite this Entry

“Compassion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassion. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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