COMMISERATE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

commiserate

verb

Definition of commiserate

as in to sympathize

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of commiserate State employees who are returning to the office this week may be looking to commiserate with fellow office workers before heading home. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 After the New Jersey Devils lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1993 playoffs, the team went out for drinks to commiserate. — Dan Robson, New York Times, 29 May 2026 Devastated by the cancellations, many gathered in central Vienna to trade friendship bracelets and commiserate. — Philipp Jenne, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 Devastated by the cancellations, many gathered in central Vienna to trade friendship bracelets and commiserate about the cancelations. — ABC News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for commiserate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commiserate

Verb

But while Alice might sympathize with Catherine, Nora doesn’t.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Former Manhattan prosecutor Rebecca Roiphe told NBC News that during jury selection, prosecutors will likely want to scrutinize potential jurors’ experiences in the healthcare system to weed out those who might sympathize with Mangione.

— Adam Reiss, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of sympathize

Verb

By shining a light on one of her toughest periods (Diana and Charles separated in 1992), Stewart empathized with Diana deeply.

— Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026
Tammen worked decades in the mining industry and empathizes with people like King, but does not feel a mine is worth potentially jeopardizing the watershed.

— Erin Hassanzadeh, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of empathize

Verb

Rome — Rome’s ancient Colosseum, where gladiators were once gored by wild animals to the delight of cheering crowds, has never exactly been associated with safety.

— Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Thanks to the studio audience of super fans and elaborate red carpet entrance, this felt less like a reunion and more like an awards show (and occasionally, when the audience cheered or booed for an Islander on stage, like a Jerry Springer set).

— Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of cheer

Browse Nearby Words

comminuting

commiserate

commiserated

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Commiserate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commiserate. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of commiserate

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes