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Dictionary.com

have compassion

VERB
pity
Synonyms
STRONGEST
feel for forgive pardon
STRONG
ache comfort commiserate condole console relent reprieve solace soothe sympathize understand
WEAK
be sorry for be sympathetic bleed for feel with give quarter grant amnesty grieve with have mercy on identify with lament with put out of one's misery show forgiveness show sympathy take pity on weep for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
punish
STRONG
agitate annoy distress hurt trouble upset worry
WEAK
disdain scorn
VERB
sympathize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
commiserate comprehend
STRONG
ache agree appreciate comfort compassionate condole love pity understand
WEAK
be in accord be in sympathy be kind to be there for be understanding bleed for emphathize feel heart go out to go along with grieve with identify with offer consolation pick up on relate to share another's sorrow show kindliness show mercy show tenderness side with tune in
Antonyms
STRONG
scorn
WEAK
disapprove disregard ignore

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If you only have compassion but no wisdom, a good heart might do the wrong thing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

“I have compassion for both teams because I know people in both organizations,” said Vermeil, 88, who coached the Eagles from 1976 though ’82, and the Chiefs from 2001 through ’05.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2025

Konrath added it’s possible for people to have compassion for both, but empathy often gets applied to those “in need, more than those with power.”

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2024

Addressing the nation in a live broadcast on Sunday evening, Iceland's President Gudni Johannesson urged people to "stand together and have compassion for those who cannot be in their homes".

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2024

If he smiled, people might think he didn’t have compassion for Sasha.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater