empathy

noun

Definition of empathynext
as in compassion
the feeling that you understand and share another person's experiences and emotions He felt great empathy toward the poor.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of empathy His work underscores the importance of mental health care, empathy and showing up for people in difficult moments. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 This was the sort of empathy and understanding of the world that Hannah-Jones rightfully wanted to impart to her daughter. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026 Stephens apologized and expressed empathy for Moore and his family in a statement issued by the Trojans. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 By following the journey of a Canadian of Bulgarian origin who returns to his home country, the film invites us to look with empathy at those who choose to settle far from their homeland. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathy
  1. sympathy
  2. pity
  3. compassion
  4. kindness
  5. understanding
Noun
  • The tension between intellectual certainty and its corporeal obverse is the novel’s most interesting possibility, yet its campus plot repeatedly narrows into a question of who deserves our sympathy.
    — Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Gunn’s way of watching and noticing with the full weight of pure sympathy makes its way, with chiseled care, into a reticent eloquence.
    — Colm Tóibín, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • All eyes were trained in my direction, watching my every move, all conveying their pity.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Years later, Nelson is married to Linda (pity poor Tatyana Ali, saddled with an almost comically underwritten, saintly-supportive-partner role) and is raising her son as his own.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of pity
Noun
  • Caring for themselves gives them greater capacity for empathy, compassion and service.
    — Michael Corvini, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • While introducing the film, Stan reflected on the questions of judgment and need for compassion at the heart of its story.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • Lee, meanwhile, is magnificent in a role requiring similar kindness, only laced with loneliness and loss.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Amagda Pérez Amagda Pérez advocates for immigrants and farmworkers with kindness, respect and determination.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Reports of Muse sharing a user’s home address with a prospective buyer and accessing private messages despite the user’s understanding of permissions illustrate those concerns.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • And over time, interest from generalists in understanding and treating opioid use disorder does appear to have increased, Bagley said.
    — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of understanding

Browse Nearby Words

empathizing (with)
empathy
emperor
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Cite this Entry

“Empathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empathy. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on empathy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about empathy

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