EMPATHY Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

empathy

noun

Definition of empathy

as in compassion

the feeling that you understand and share another person's experiences and emotions He felt great empathy toward the poor.

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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 empathy It has been defined in slightly different ways over the years, but some of the traits commonly associated with psychopathy include pathological lying, extreme narcissism, shallow affect, impulsivity and lack of empathy and remorse. — David Dematteo, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026 In addition to outdoor play, the research supports pairing the outdoor time with a 15-minute daily lesson of social-emotional learning that teaches students about empathy, respect and self-esteem. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 Social workers, nurses, therapists, and home health aides provide care that depends not simply on technical skill, but on empathy, dignity, and compassion. — Scott Levenson, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 The article also took aim at Macron over his past calls for police to show greater empathy. — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy

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

The pity of the judge who imprisoned them here was cold comfort for a group of people who had little reason to trust any legal authority.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
Still, the track eventually collides into a seasick wall of distortion that recalls lovesliescrushing’s weightless takes on shoegaze as Pitchkites sings of unmet expectations and self pity.

— Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of pity

Noun

But the decisions that define organizations—those involving ethics, trust, compassion, purpose and culture—remain deeply human responsibilities.

— Elisa Mallis, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Many healthcare workers preserve human dignity through compassion, patience, and care.

— Scott Levenson, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of compassion

Noun

Patience and kindness can go a long way, Henderson says, and Seshadri reminds everyone to extend that respect to the airport staff and your fellow passengers.

— Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Be patient when a grocery store cashier with disabilities rings up your items — kindness can go a long way.

— John Gill, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

Kim Hong-Cheol, the South Korean military official, said leaving the dispute over the military demarcation line unresolved would increase the risk of accidental clashes because troops from both sides act on their own understanding of the line.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Communications leaders can help organisations anticipate the expectations those decisions will need to meet, bringing an understanding of customer concerns and public trust into the discussion before commitments are made.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of understanding

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“Empathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empathy. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of empathy

noun

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