Definitions

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.

A farmer found in contempt of court for failing to remove a "hidden house" inside a barn has said the council that took legal action against her showed "no compassion".

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Green’s voice radiated power and defiance, fighting off the compassion he knows will spell his end.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Cather renders Don’s roiling inner life with compassion as he struggles to arrive at a firmer sense of himself and his art.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

All have similar stories - describing a lack of compassion among staff and an absence of any meaningful treatment or therapy.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

The people who haven't earned it, who haven't even sought it, are the most meaningful recipients of our compassion.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

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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