commiserate (with) 1 of 2

verb

kə-ˈmi-zə-ˌrāt How to pronounce commiserate (with) (audio)
Definition of commiserate (with)next
as in to pity
to have sympathy for we commiserated with him but there was little we could do to make the situation better

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

commiseration

2 of 2

noun

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

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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

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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 commiserate (with)
  1. pity
  2. sympathy
  3. kindness
  4. compassion
Verb
  • In this type of thinking, the desire to be alone is seen as unnatural and unhealthy, something to be pitied or feared rather than valued or encouraged.
    — Virginia Thomas, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Often, the authors are wrestling with grief, trauma or loss, and find solace in the company of an animal who isn’t forced to be their companion, and doesn’t pity or judge them.
    — Alexandra Alter, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of pity
Noun
  • Then another letter arrived — this one from my credit card company, offering sympathies to my wife.
    — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The sympathies of the characters waver or shift with every new rumor, and ours do the same as the truth is revealed in dribs and drabs via flashback.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • His unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to serving others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Sure, the product is important, but kindness—the opposite of rudeness and apathy—is what keeps them coming back.
    — Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • As Hoque reminds us, transcending the AI temptation means intentionally guiding innovation with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity.
    — Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The surprise announcement by military leaders who also head the unelected government came late Wednesday on state television MRTV, which said the halt in fighting would run until April 22 to show compassion for people affected by Friday's quake.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Apr. 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

commiserates (with)
commiserate (with)
commiserating
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Cite this Entry

“Commiserate (with).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commiserate%20%28with%29. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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