com·pas·sion·ate
kəm-ˈpa-sh(ə-)nət 
1
: having or showing compassion : sympathetic
a compassionate friend
a compassionate smile
2
: granted because of unusual distressing circumstances affecting an individual
—used of some military privileges (such as leave)
The soldier was granted compassionate leave following the death of his father.
compassionately
adverb
compassionateness
noun
com·pas·sion·ate
kəm-ˈpa-shə-ˌnāt
compassionated; compassionating
: pity
… even compassionating those who hold in bondage their fellow men …—
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy AdamsSynonyms
Examples of compassionate in a Sentence
Adjective
a compassionate person by nature
a compassionate smile made the refugees feel a little better
Verb
a gentle soul who could compassionate even the most reprobate of scoundrels and villains
Recent Examples on the WebThe Indianapolis Star, 18 Apr. 2024
Her sermons on human rights and social justice are at once a compassionate and fierce plea for a planet in disarray.
—Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for compassionate 
Adjective
Advocates from both sides of the aisle say a compassionate release statute would do just that.
—The Indianapolis Star, 18 Apr. 2024
Her sermons on human rights and social justice are at once a compassionate and fierce plea for a planet in disarray.
—Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for compassionate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compassionate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Compassionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compassionate. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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