sympathize

[sim-puh-thahyz] / ˈsɪm pəˌθaɪz /

VERB

feel for, be compassionate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

commiserate comprehend

STRONG

ache agree appreciate comfort compassionate condole love pity understand

WEAK

be in accord be in sympathy be kind to be there for be understanding bleed for emphathize feel heart go out to go along with grieve with have compassion identify with offer consolation pick up on relate to share another's sorrow show kindliness show mercy show tenderness side with tune in

Antonyms

STRONG

scorn

WEAK

disapprove disregard ignore

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One can sympathize with the urge of these young, educated workers to rebel against their situations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Still, the movie seems to sympathize with many Americans’ misplaced faith in the remoteness of nuclear war.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

"It's quite easy to make a version of that story where he's a sort of toxic incel male conspiracy theorist nut who you don't really sympathize with," he told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

One can understand, even sympathize with, the reluctance of UC to pursue a courtroom fight over Trump’s demands.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

I sympathize with those whose hearts were pained, as mine was pained, when Mr. Max so cynically assailed our sacred customs.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright

Vocabulary lists containing sympathize

Nothing But the Truth

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The Martian Chronicles

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