compassionate

[kuhm-pash-uh-nit, kuhm-pash-uh-neyt] / kəmˈpæʃ ə nɪt, kəmˈpæʃ əˌneɪt /

ADJECTIVE

having tender feelings

Synonyms

STRONGEST

benevolent charitable humane merciful sympathetic warm warmhearted

STRONG

forbearing pitying sparing tender understanding

WEAK

all heart being big bleeding-heart commiserative going easy on humanitarian indulgent kindhearted kindly lenient living with old softie piteous responsive soft-shell softhearted tenderhearted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cold cool cruel inhumane malevolent mean merciless uncaring unfeeling unfriendly unkind unsympathetic

STRONG

intolerant

WEAK

hard harsh hateful indifferent tyrannous

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.

But she added he "continues to receive comprehensive and compassionate treatment" from qualified doctors, nurses and prison staff.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

It was the Steyer I’ve heard on too many commercials: pugnacious, compassionate but spouting a whole bunch of boilerplate.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

The Terriers announced on 25 March that he would be taking compassionate leave for the remainder of the season.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

And as played in this 10-part series by Ella Bruccoleri, she is sympathetic, empathetic, compassionate and very, very sweet.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

It was impossible to tell if she was old or young, but her expression was austere and compassionate, and both Will and Lyra felt as if she knew them to their hearts.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman

Vocabulary lists containing compassionate

Be Nice!

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Positive Adjectives to Describe People

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"The Diary of Anne Frank," Vocabulary from the drama

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