pathos

noun

Definition of pathosnext
as in sorrow

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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 pathos Both young actresses are able to navigate Leigh’s delicate emotional terrain with an incredible amount of charm and a capacity for devastatingly relatable pathos. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026 There’s this pathos and sympathy built in, particularly and surprisingly enough with Aileen Wuornos. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026 Pacino gives one of the most exhausted yet energetic performances in cinematic history, and Chris Sarandon grounds the whole thing in genuine pathos. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 Now, The End of Oak Street is proving a dino blockbuster that serves up prehistoric horror with a side of genuine pathos is still a worthy endeavor. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pathos
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pathos
  1. sorrow
  2. grief
  3. anguish
  4. heartache
  5. heartbreak
  6. misery
  7. woe
Noun
  • But genuinely funny moments are rare, badly outnumbered by done-to-death musings regarding the mysteries of being alive and torturous melodramatic moments in which Klara dully absorbs the severity of Josie’s illness and Chrissy’s sorrow.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Crystal’s deep and profound sorrow at the loss of his director and friend Rob Reiner, not to mention Robin WIlliams, are very much present in the show.
    — Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of sorrow
Noun
  • Yet even in the aftermath of her terrible grief, Josie’s mother, Chrissie, doubles down and chooses to put Josie through the operation as well.
    — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Some may also do what grief counselors call continuing bonds.
    — Naomi Barr, Flow Space, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of grief
Noun
  • In a masterful unbroken shot, Klaus is on the phone from France with his sister, expressing his bottomless anguish.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Polly, by contrast, reads the manuscript and is immediately filled with anguish and all-consuming fury.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of anguish
Noun
  • This was a three-day decision with lots and lots of heartache.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Over the course of more than twelve hours, the actor pings between heartache and euphoria.
    — Brian Raftery, Vanity Fair, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of heartache
Noun
  • Upsets, near-upsets and general wackiness; pageantry, pride and good old-fashioned heartbreak.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • But, the heartbreak would come sneaking around the bend over what might be the wildest 20 seconds of recent Big Ten memory, thanks to the insane final few minutes.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of heartbreak
Noun
  • Adding to the misery, Jason Sanders — a longtime Dolphins kicker in his first season with the Jets — hit the right upright on a 40-yard try.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • With Dunham as creator, showrunner and star, the original series ran from 2012 to 2017 and followed a group of friends through the misery and dysfunction of their 20s in New York City.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of misery
Noun
  • Simon Wohlfahrt | Afp | Getty Images As France’s economic and political woes mount, investors are asking whether the country’s debt problems risk contaminating the rest of the euro zone.
    — Jenni Reid,Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Rams’ injury woes continued Thursday when star receiver Puka Nacua left practice because of a calf injury, a team official said.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of woe

Browse Nearby Words

pathologists
pathos
paths
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Cite this Entry

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

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pathos

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