30 Sincere Phrases to Say Instead of Sorry for Your Loss

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Published October 1, 2020
woman comforting a friend

Saying something more personal instead of "sorry for your loss" will convey your sympathy in a more heartfelt manner. Whether you knew the deceased individual or not, offering your friend, family member, or acquaintance your sympathies is appropriate.

What Can I Say Instead of Sorry for Your Loss?

The phrase "sorry for your loss" may not clearly communicate your true feelings. It is best to personalize the sympathy saying to reflect the relationship you have with the bereaved and his/her deceased loved one.

Brief Words of Sympathy for Anyone

Look for words of comfort after death that allow you to offer sincere sympathies in a brief but alternative phrase for "sorry for your loss." A few general options that can be personalized for any situation include:

  • "My thoughts are with you during this time of mourning."
  • "May you find peace and comfort in your memories of Deceased Loved One."
  • "I was heartbroken to hear about the loss of your loved one."
  • "Deceased Loved One was a special person to all who met him/her."
  • "I am thinking of you and am here for you."
  • "You are surrounded by love during this difficult time."
  • "Your loved one will be dearly missed."
  • "Sending you my condolences on the loss of your loved one."
words of sympathy for anyone

Loss of Parent

Come up with something more personal to say to someone who has lost a parent rather than "sorry for your loss." These sayings are appropriate whether someone has lost a father or a mother.

  • "Your mom/dad was an amazing parent and guide to us all."
  • "She/he was like a second parent to me growing up, and I cannot imagine what you are going through."
  • "I thought the world of your mom/dad and feel their loss deeply."
  • "Let me stand by your side during your grief as you process the loss of your parent."
  • "I was so fond of your parents and will remember them warmly as I keep your family in my thoughts.

Loss of Spouse or Partner

Reach out to someone who has lost a spouse or life partner with a sympathetic saying like:

  • "Hold dear to the memories of your spouse and hold tightly to my hand."
  • "Carrying on without your spouse is hard, so lean on me whenever you need."
  • "My heart aches for you over the passing of your partner."
  • "Losing your partner is unbearable and you do not have to go through this alone."
  • "Your spouse was one of my best friends and I am here whenever you want a partner to help you remember."
words of sympathy for the loss of partner

Loss of Child

The loss of a child is something felt deeply by those who knew him or her. Use compassionate words after the loss of a child to let loved ones know you cared.

  • "No one should have to suffer this shocking loss and I am here to support you."
  • "I am heartsick from the absence of Child's Name in our lives."
  • "Your son/daughter lit up the world with his/her smile and s/he's light will live within us all."
  • "I am filled with sorrow for your family over the loss of your child and am here to help you through this."
  • "My tears fall freely over the loss of your child. Please don't ever feel like you have to hide your tears from me."

Loss of Friend

When someone you love loses someone they love, it's hard to know what to say. Consider one of these phrases to express your sympathy when someone loses a friend:

  • "The world feels lonelier without Friend's Name, and I am here to help you remember him/her."
  • "I loved spending time with your friend; please call me anytime, and we can share memories of him."
  • "I know I can't replace your friend, but I can be there for you when you need me."
  • "Your friend was a remarkable person and his/her death is a terrible loss."
words of sympathy for the loss of friend

Loss of Coworker

Coworkers form friendships and can even become a close-knit work family. When someone loses a coworker, you might say:

  • "Deceased Individual was a wonderful mentor to me. His/her loss will be felt by the entire department."
  • "I know you were all like family at Company Name. Deceased Individual's loss saddens us all."
  • "Deceased Individual was an amazing leader. We will miss his/her guidance."

Is Saying Sorry for Your Loss Appropriate?

While the phrase "sorry for your loss" may be considered overused and at times, sound less sincere than a more original phrase, it does have its place. A few times where it may be appropriate:

When you know someone who has experienced a death, saying "sorry for your loss" is a way to reach out with something to say and let them know you are there. It can open the door to a longer, more personal conversation and let them know you are thinking of them. If you are unsure of what to say, it is better to reach out and say "I'm sorry for your loss" than not say anything at all.

Offer Your Sincere Condolences

Finding the right words to comfort someone grieving means digging a little deeper into your emotions for a sincere phrase of sympathy. Personalize it for the bereaved and who they lost and your words will feel and sound appropriate.

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30 Sincere Phrases to Say Instead of Sorry for Your Loss