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

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
Almost no one understands or sympathizes with these men. Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026 Coley is an easy character to sympathize with. Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026 McDonnell sympathized with Jameson's family. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 18 June 2026 New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill has been determined to avoid offsetting the costs on to taxpayers, and unsuccessfully called for FIFA to help share the cost burden, and Mamdani sympathizes with her position. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 16 June 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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