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.

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

“Parents could be assumed to sympathize with the plaintiff’s mother, but they may also be quicker to perceive lenient parenting.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

While my friends and family sympathize with my situation, they still prefer to be around me when I’m happier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

I sympathize with his confusion, but I feel nothing toward his hostility.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan

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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