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

“We can say this—that killing innocent people is wrong and we sympathize with them.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

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

From Slate • Mar. 13, 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

Now I can really sympathize with how the slave Isaura felt after she was caught by the evil Leoncio.

From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau

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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