sympathize

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

Examples of sympathize in a Sentence

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.
Most people understand and sympathize with someone who has cancer or a stroke. Kat McGowan, NPR, 31 Dec. 2025 While some readers sympathized with the original poster’s feelings about thrifted gifts, many argued that the deeper problem was how her father’s money had been handled. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025 So for those wanting to sympathize with the collapse of the rival kingdom, save your Kleenex for more worthy causes. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025 But Googoosh was also taken up by urban intellectuals who sympathized with the shah’s opponents. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sympathize

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of sympathize was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Sympathize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sympathize. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sympathize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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