SELF-PITY Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

self-pity

noun

Definition of self-pity

as in sadness

disapproving a feeling of pity for yourself because you believe you have suffered more than is fair or reasonable He was wallowing in self-pity. She spoke without a trace of self-pity.

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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 self-pity Or perhaps he is known less by image and more as a disembodied voice, glitching his way across vintage Kanye tracks and rumbling words of self-pity opposite Taylor Swift. — Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026 Despite the challenges, Urso refused to indulge in self-pity. — Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026 Those reflections on youthful passion contrast sharply with the Mozzer’s current state of self-pity. — Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2026 However, those not feeling the lovey-dovey vibe of the month don't need to wallow in self-pity. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-pity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-pity

Noun

For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
But our frustrations and inconvenience pale in comparison to the sadness of those who knew the deceased or to the trauma the drivers involved experienced.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of sadness

Noun

Moving between Paris and Belo Horizonte, the film explores grief, migration, Black identity and the invisible ties connecting women across generations.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Asked about previously describing the aftermath as losing more than half of his family — including Nick — Jake acknowledged that his brother’s arrest has compounded his grief.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of grief

Noun

The day ended in that same quad with feelings of sorrow, grief, shock and confusion.

— PJ Green August 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Going back to the Mets example, perhaps in an uber-technical sense a Mets’ loss could have marginal economic impact as some fans guzzle more beer to drown away their sorrows.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

But Moores would express misery in recalling ballpark-construction hassles and MLB politics that frustrated his advocacy of small-market clubs and game-day affordability.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
This summer’s misery has been driven less by scorching afternoons than by record-warm nights and Miami-level humidity, according to scientist Daniel Swain.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of misery

Noun

For Alex’s family, those seven months have done little to dull the anguish over what happened to him — or their determination to see the two officers who fired the shots held responsible.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Some say there is a fine line between anguish or sadness — and laughter.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of anguish

Noun

Bugs Bunny jams himself against the edge and grits his teeth in agony.

— Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
The striking bronze sculpture depicts an outstretched arm reaching to the sky as hundreds of small human figures cling to it and each other with expressions of agony.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of agony

Noun

Bees avoid the gloom of the understory—with few flowers, there’s little to entice them—but wasps don’t mind it, and are attracted to the helleborines by the promise of an intoxicating nectar (itself made by a symbiosis with fungi).

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026
Amid the gloom, one local nonprofit group is working to celebrate iconic cartoons to support the animators of today — and remind people of the joy of animation.

— Marah Eakin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026