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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sympathy differ from other similar words?

The words affinity and attraction are common synonyms of sympathy. While all three words mean "the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together," sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence.

two minds in sympathy

When might affinity be a better fit than sympathy?

The meanings of affinity and sympathy largely overlap; however, affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn.

an affinity for mathematics

When is attraction a more appropriate choice than sympathy?

In some situations, the words attraction and sympathy are roughly equivalent. However, attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it.

felt an attraction to danger

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 sympathy Frank Marcum’s posts prompted replies from residents across the region expressing sympathy and reporting their own coyote sightings. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 12 Apr. 2025 But for anyone staging The Last Five Years, questions still hover around how to balance and complicate the musical’s sympathies. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025 Fear of this slight, young woman who has elected to come in a show of sympathy and respect. David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025 One of the night’s most resonant moments came as Clooney’s Murrow, in one of the actor’s long, commanding monologues, debunked accusations of communist sympathies tied to a book dedication from British Socialist Harold Laski. Antonio Ferme, Variety, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
  • Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes with compassion can be extremely helpful.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • While Mateo's future had once been uncertain, his viral story has shown the difference compassion can make.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the time of publication, the video of her efforts has been watched over 228,000 times, with users flocking to offer words of kindness in the comments section.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Becky’s independence, kindness, determination and beauty will live on through her forever.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But empathy without curiosity can lead to misalignment.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • That shows the family is teaching empathy, mutual respect, and emotional intelligence—precisely the opposite of what the uncle accused them of lacking.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Yellows 1, 2, 3 and 4: Were all banned in 1959 after they were potentially linked to lesions and heart damage.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • This presents the reader, especially one steeped in mystery fiction, with a familiar irony: Skilled detectives typically win readers’ hearts because of their flaws, not despite them.
    Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • If you're met with pity about your child's autism, don't be afraid to correct your colleagues politely.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Unfortunately, Brit drags some residuals of her pity party into the episode while car shopping with her husband in a scene devoid of any chemistry, then at dinner with Drew.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sympathy

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