compassion

[kuhm-pash-uhn] / kəmˈpæʃ ən /

NOUN

tender feeling

Synonyms

STRONGEST

benevolence empathy grace humanity kindness mercy sorrow sympathy tenderness

STRONG

charity clemency commiseration compunction condolence consideration heart humaneness lenity softheartedness softness tenderheartedness yearning

WEAK

fellow feeling

Antonyms

STRONGEST

animosity cruelty ill will meanness mercilessness

WEAK

harshness hatred indifference tyranny

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.

In his nuanced interpretation, Biff’s initial embarrassment at his father’s wandering mind turns to a tender and then fiery compassion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal,” she told the Daily Mail.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Americans face a crisis of violence, yes, but the crisis of compassion is just as pressing.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Carney added that the message showed a "lack of judgement and a lack of compassion."

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Royal watched him, a distant and angry compassion in his face.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin

Vocabulary lists containing compassion

100 Top "SAT" Words

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Giving Words

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ACT Vocabulary List

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