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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

There are people who do wrong, and make bad choices, and get caught in a cycle of that who also love and care and have compassion for at the same time.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2024

The circumstances this time are very different, and football fans and journalists in his home country have compassion for his wellbeing.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2024

“But they won’t let you, will they? They won’t let you have compassion or kindness. They won’t let you keep your soul.”

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir