Definitions

empathy

[em-puh-thee] / ˈɛm pə θi /

NOUN

understanding

Synonyms

STRONGEST

affinity compassion identification insight pity rapport understanding warmth

STRONG

concord responsiveness soul sympathy

WEAK

being on same wavelength being there for someone good vibrations hitting it off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

incompatibility indifference insensitivity mercilessness unfeelingness

STRONG

disagreement disdain disunity hatred

WEAK

apathy discord misunderstanding

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.

Empathy is the bedrock of what it means to have a society.

From Slate • Jan. 9, 2026

Empathy often means sharing other’ feelings to understand their problems.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

Programs like Roots of Empathy in Canada and Caring Classrooms in the U.S. have proven highly effective at building kids’ prosocial behavior.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Empathy pours off Fraser in waves, which is what made his Oscar-winning performance in “The Whale” work.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Empathy toward an artificial construct? he asked himself.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

Vocabulary lists containing empathy

100 Top "SAT" Words

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Giving Words

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Advanced English Words

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