commiseration

noun

Definition of commiserationnext
1
as in sympathy
sorrow or the capacity to feel sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune letters of commiseration sent to the hospitalized student

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in kindness
the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune a heartless businessman with no commiseration for the less fortunate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun commiseration contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of commiseration are compassion, condolence, pity, and sympathy. While all these words mean "the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another," commiseration suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort.

murmurs of commiseration filled the loser's headquarters

In what contexts can compassion take the place of commiseration?

The words compassion and commiseration can be used in similar contexts, but compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

treats the homeless with great compassion

When is condolence a more appropriate choice than commiseration?

While the synonyms condolence and commiseration are close in meaning, condolence applies chiefly to formal expression of grief to one who has suffered loss.

expressed their condolences to the widow

When is it sensible to use pity instead of commiseration?

While in some cases nearly identical to commiseration, pity implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress.

felt pity for the captives

When could sympathy be used to replace commiseration?

The words sympathy and commiseration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sympathy often suggests a tender concern but can also imply a power to enter into another's emotional experience of any sort.

went to my best friend for sympathy
in sympathy with her desire to locate her natural parents

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commiseration
  1. sympathy
  2. kindness
  3. compassion
Noun
  • Infused with equal parts outrage and sympathy, the song is a must-listen in these trying times.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025
  • There was little sympathy for the congressman’s words among the 100 or so protesters who turned out for the news conference held at the bottom of the building’s west steps.
    — John Aguilar, Denver Post, 29 May 2025
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • By Carol McCloud, Illustrated by David Messing Summary: This book explains clearly and simply how everyone has an invisible bucket that can be filled through small acts of kindness or emptied by acts of thoughtlessness or cruelty.
    — Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Among the many points for assessing happiness around the world, like sharing meals with others and family bonds, researchers for the 2025 World Happiness Report looked closely at acts of kindness.
    — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Each of us can use the next six months working on our own heart, praying for a heart that is filled with compassion and love.
    — Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • Balancing business needs with compassion for people is critical to preserving trust and morale through a difficult transition, for both employees who are retained and also for those impacted by layoffs.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of compassion
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.

Browse Nearby Words

commiserating (with)
commiseration
commiserative
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Cite this Entry

“Commiseration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commiseration. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of commiseration for Spanish Speakers

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