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.

"I wanted the audience to be able to sympathize with him at times, and be terrified of him at times," Antosca told AFP on the Los Angeles red carpet.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

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

From Slate • Mar. 13, 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

A valid view, but not one with which I can sympathize.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

“I sympathize with that. They’re good people. She’s a real sweet person, your mother.”

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Vocabulary lists containing sympathize

Nothing But the Truth

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The Martian Chronicles

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Charles and Emma

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