CONDOLENCE Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

condolence

noun

Definition of condolence

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 Some of the three-time Grammy-winning artist’s friends shared their heartfelt condolences in the comments section of the post. — Anna Chan, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2026 University and city officials extended their condolences to the service member’s family, military colleagues and anyone affected. — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026 Residents said most of the children killed lived in the Dir Colony neighborhood, where the school is located, leaving them unsure which bereaved family to visit first to offer condolences. — Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026 Officials offer condolences and promise investigations Peshawar police chief Saeed Ahmed said that the school’s owner had been arrested. — Riaz Khan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for condolence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for condolence

Noun

Fifty years of doctors who shrugged with genuine sympathy and said, rare.

— Miranda Pappas, STAT, 22 Oct. 2026
Carriage drivers have expressed sympathy for Mahajan and his family but argue that they are being unfairly targeted because of a single accident.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of sympathy

Noun

Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid Forward La Liga also issued an official statement expressing deep regret over the hurt caused to Chinese fans by Mbappé's remarks, adding that his personal views do not represent the Spanish league's position.

— Matthew Tan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
The university said officials had reached out to McAfee to express their appreciation and regret.

— Stepheny Price OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of regret

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condoled (with)

condolence

condoles

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“Condolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condolence. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of condolence

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