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

Relevance

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 Choose your words carefully and with compassion. 12. —Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025 But there is a way to balance sustainability with compassion and pragmatism. —Daniel A.c. McBride, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025 To best navigate this energy, approach life with compassion and integrity, rather than operating out of an aggressive demeanor. —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 1 June 2025 Her work blends creativity, compassion, and purpose, driven by a belief in storytelling’s power to heal, inspire, and create change. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for compassion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassion
  1. sympathy
  2. kindness
  3. empathy
  4. heart
Noun
  • Infused with equal parts outrage and sympathy, the song is a must-listen in these trying times.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025
  • There was little sympathy for the congressman’s words among the 100 or so protesters who turned out for the news conference held at the bottom of the building’s west steps.
    — John Aguilar, Denver Post, 29 May 2025
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • By Carol McCloud, Illustrated by David Messing Summary: This book explains clearly and simply how everyone has an invisible bucket that can be filled through small acts of kindness or emptied by acts of thoughtlessness or cruelty.
    — Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Please advise me how to navigate this tricky territory with respect and kindness.
    — Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2025
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • The Rise Of The Digital Leader Digital leaders operate at the intersection of three essential domains: technology (leveraging AI, automation and data to drive strategy), business (aligning digital efforts with measurable outcomes) and people (leading with empathy, influence and adaptability).
    — Raj Polanki, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • The idea of sharing our stories connects us as a whole, evoking empathy.
    — Julia Moore, People.com, 2 June 2025
Definition of empathy
Noun
  • Leadership wisdom is a combination of head, hunch and heart.
    — Gregory Stebbins, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • These young people offer me their time and their hearts on some level.
    — Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
Definition of heart

Browse Nearby Words

compassing
compassion
compassionate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compassion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassion. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on compassion

Nglish: Translation of compassion for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'Bring' vs. 'Take'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

Some Data About 'Datum'

The Clinical History of 'Moron,' 'Idiot,' and 'Imbecile'
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All