PATHOS Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

pathos

noun

Definition of pathos

as in sorrow

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Recent Examples of pathos But the rollicking jollity that accompanies the final two acts, which includes the entrance of pirates and the abduction of Marina to a brothel, robs the ending of some of its pathos. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 Pacino gives one of the most exhausted yet energetic performances in cinematic history, and Chris Sarandon grounds the whole thing in genuine pathos. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 Now, The End of Oak Street is proving a dino blockbuster that serves up prehistoric horror with a side of genuine pathos is still a worthy endeavor. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 14 Aug. 2026 There’s pathos, and shrewd irony, underpinning his performance. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pathos

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pathos

Noun

Because so many of Gunn’s friends died in San Francisco, a city where Gunn had found happiness and freedom, then these elegies are also a monument to a time of communal sorrow and mourning.

— Colm Tóibín, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Another decision that those who are rejected face, at least if anger is mixed in with sorrow, is where to direct that anger.

— George Loewenstein, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

The ending’s weight comes from the huge scope of the Trask family’s grief, but even more, its emotional heft comes from how clearly this East of Eden sees Lee, the person who has always understood the things the Trasks are still attempting to learn.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Painful memories force her to confront first her own choices, then personal grief and finally, the family secrets that provide the novel’s distinctly elegiac and holistic tone.

— Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of grief

Noun

This divorce story is not about sadness, disappointment, personal limitations, or heartbreak.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
And because these actors are all so strong and the direction is so affirmative, the comedy and heartbreak in the writing pop off the stage right into your lap.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of heartbreak

Noun

Cubs fans generally don’t care about the Sox, so their misery was focused solely on their team’s no-show performance at Petco Park.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
The origin story helps contextualize the misery and self-isolation of Cathy’s later years, as the madam of a Salinas whorehouse.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of misery

Noun

Another offensive line injury The woes continue on the offensive line, as right tackle Matt McCoy was injured at the end of UM’s most recent drive late in the second quarter.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
The Olathe Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously on Thursday night to close six schools in the district — five elementary schools and one middle school — after a lengthy discussion about financial woes and parent opposition.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of woe

Browse Nearby Words

pathologists

pathos

paths

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

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Synonyms of pathos

noun

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