empathize

verb

em·​pa·​thize ˈem-pə-ˌthīz How to pronounce empathize (audio)
empathized; empathizing
Synonyms of empathizenext

intransitive verb

: to experience empathy
empathized with his son's fears
empathizer noun

Examples of empathize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Teammate Malinin, who also had a number of uncharacteristic mistakes in his free program and fell from first to eighth in the men’s event, watched in surprise in the arena, empathizing with the disbelief and pain on Glenn’s face. Alice Park, Time, 18 Feb. 2026 For the growing Muslim community in the Bay Area, abstaining from eating or drinking during the day is regarded as an act of worship by practicing self-restraint, growing closer to God and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026 The point, rather, lies in finding some level on which the audience can empathize with each party in each dispute. Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026 Malinin could empathize as Glenn held back tears on the ice. Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathize

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empathize was circa 1916

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Cite this Entry

“Empathize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathize. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

empathize

intransitive verb
em·​pa·​thize
variants or British empathise
empathized or British empathised; empathizing or British empathising
: to experience empathy
adults unable to empathize with a child's frustrations

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