Definitions

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

“Portraying me as someone who serves a cause other than Denmark, and who would sympathize with threats to our kingdom, is unhealthy,” Messerschmidt wrote on Facebook this weekend.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026

Aru didn’t think it was possible to sympathize with a palace, and yet she did.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi

Vocabulary lists containing sympathize

Nothing But the Truth

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Martian Chronicles

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Charles and Emma

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!