Definition of sympathynext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sympathy differ from other similar words?

The words affinity and attraction are common synonyms of sympathy. While all three words mean "the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together," sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence.

two minds in sympathy

When might affinity be a better fit than sympathy?

The meanings of affinity and sympathy largely overlap; however, affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn.

an affinity for mathematics

When is attraction a more appropriate choice than sympathy?

In some situations, the words attraction and sympathy are roughly equivalent. However, attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it.

felt an attraction to danger

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sympathy Other chip names, such as Sandisk, Western Digital, Lam Research, KLA and Applied Materials all rose in sympathy. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 24 June 2026 There was that ever-present sense of hope combined with her dedication to being there, to being in the moment, that obviated an overabundance of sympathy. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026 There's even some sympathy for the vengeful pirate character. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 June 2026 With ready sympathy and the best will in the world, we are forced to complete the magic in our minds. David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
  • Upon Paula’s release, Karl picks her up and is his usual confusing shamble of one part compassion and two parts boundaries.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 1 July 2026
  • Will Americans embrace vulnerability with compassion, or perpetuate stigma?
    Brian Castrucci, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • So to find herself so far from Alicent’s kindness and affirmation is really stark.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 29 June 2026
  • The whole group went to the Haiti-Morocco game this weekend, closing a loop of kindness that extended beyond Thompson’s original gesture.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • It's called cognitive empathy, not to be confused with emotional empathy.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • In a field where founders are taught to move fast and break things, Gen Z is taking a new approach, engineering with empathy.
    Lydia T. Blanco, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Their coupling instantly captured the attention and hearts of fans around the world, and Swift’s presence at Chiefs games was even credited with bolstering female interest in NFL football.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • That is truly a pity because this brilliant thinker revolutionized both mathematics and physics.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 23 June 2026
  • The landlord took them out for a McDonald’s pity meal at the end.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Despite its decades-long ubiquity in our lives and our iCals, the building has just as often stirred negative feelings.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
  • And this response completely invalidates their feelings and concerns.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Cite this Entry

“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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