sympathize

1 of 2

verb

sym·​pa·​thize ˈsim-pə-ˌthīz How to pronounce sympathize (audio)
sympathized; sympathizing
Synonyms of sympathizenext

intransitive verb

1
: to be in keeping, accord, or harmony
2
: to react or respond in sympathy
3
: to share in suffering or grief : commiserate
sympathize with a friend in trouble
also : to express such sympathy
4
: to be in sympathy intellectually
sympathize with a proposal
sympathizer noun

sympathizer

2 of 2

noun

sym·​pa·​thiz·​er
variants also British sympathiser
-zə(r)
plural -s
: one that sympathizes : one that acts or reacts in sympathy
strikers and their sympathizers

Synonyms of sympathize

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Verb

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Examples of sympathize in a Sentence

Verb I sympathize but how can I help?
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
At the same time, Sanaa sympathized with the police, who were far outnumbered by vandals, many of them young men from France’s poorest suburbs, where youth unemployment is rampant. — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 As her son Rauri, Murphy plays a creepy, brooding university dropout whom audiences also can’t help sympathize with. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026 The case has attracted national attention and put a spotlight on some Americans’ frustrations with the healthcare system, as Mangione has seen an outpouring of support from devoted followers who sympathize with Mangione’s cause. — Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 9 Oct. 2026 Gauff, who reached the fourth round of Wimbledon as a 15-year-old in 2019, sympathized with Sun. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sympathize

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of sympathize was in 1598

Rhymes for sympathize

See All Rhymes for sympathize

Browse Nearby Words

sympathism
sympathize
sympathizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sympathize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sympathize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sympathize

verb
sym·​pa·​thize ˈsim-pə-ˌthīz How to pronounce sympathize (audio)
sympathized; sympathizing
1
: to share in suffering or grief : to feel or show sympathy
2
: to be in favor of something
sympathizer noun
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