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Definitions

pity

[pit-ee] / ˈpɪt i /
NOUN
feeling of mercy toward another
Synonyms
STRONGEST
compassion condolence empathy kindness melancholy mercy sadness sorrow sympathy tenderness warmth
STRONG
benevolence charity clemency comfort commiseration compunction dejection distress favor forbearance goodness grace humanity kindliness lenity philanthropy quarter rue ruth solace understanding
WEAK
condolement
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cheer cruelty happiness harshness hatred indifference joy meanness mercilessness
STRONG
disfavor malevolence unkindness
WEAK
advantage blessing disdain good fortune
NOUN
sad situation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bad luck regret shame
STRONG
catastrophe crime crisis disaster mischance misfortune mishap sin
WEAK
crying shame
Antonyms
STRONG
blessing good fortune good luck miracle success wonder
WEAK
advantage disdain malevolence mercilessness
VERB
feel sorry for; spare
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 compassion 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

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.

He said Pam "took pity" on him and brought him in with her entourage.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

It’s a pity that the rest of us have to be along for the ride.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

I actually pity other drivers on the road—and I pity myself, when I’m relegated to our gas-powered vehicle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

That’s a pity, because it makes fascinating reading, though not in a good way.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

Surely it would be a pity to interrupt them.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing pity

"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker

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"Fine?" Vocabulary from the short story

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"The People Could Fly," Vocabulary from the folk tale

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