sympathize

verb sym·pa·thize \ ˈsim-pə-ˌthīz \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Examples: sympathize in a Sentence

Definition of sympathize

sympathized; sympathizing

intransitive verb

1 : to be in keeping, accord, or harmony

2 : to react or respond in sympathy

3 : to share in suffering or grief : commiserate

sympathize with a friend in trouble

; also : to express such sympathy

4 : to be in sympathy intellectually

sympathize with a proposal

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sympathizer

noun

See sympathize defined for English-language learners

See sympathize defined for kids

Examples of sympathize in a Sentence

I sympathize but how can I help?

Recent Examples of sympathize from the Web

But ultimately, Kennedy’s experience dealing with the resistance of Southern governors to racial integration caused him to sympathize with the struggle for equality.

— ross baker, Smithsonian, "Why Robert Kennedy Transformed From a Conservative Into a Liberal Champion of Civil Rights," 5 June 2018
In a sign of how the world has changed, major influencers such as producer Judd Apatow sympathized with Lewinsky.

— annie linskey, BostonGlobe.com, "Arc of Bill Clinton’s political career will be on display during his RFK commemoration," 1 June 2018
He’s joined in the tale by his white-trash mama, a doozy of a character — but one the audience can sympathize — a little — with, even while laughing at her.

— matthew j. palm, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Review: Nashville Hurricane - Fringe 2018," 14 May 2018
Animal rights organizations certainly sympathize with some of these goals.

— emily atkin, The New Republic, "The Truth About the “Vegan Lobby”," 24 May 2018
Many more sympathized with the plight of the sisters.

— donna vickroy, Daily Southtown, "What happens when the bully apologizes 60 years later and the story goes public? 'Amazing grace.'," 19 May 2018
Of course, fans sympathized with Will—especially fans who are parents themselves (or have ever had to spend the night with a newborn, for that matter).

— kayleigh roberts, Marie Claire, "Prince William Struggled Not to Fall Asleep at His First Event Post-Royal Baby," 26 Apr. 2018
The big sticking point in this year's God of War, a sequel with the flavor of a reboot, then, is whether or not you can be made to sympathize with a man like Kratos.

— julie muncy, WIRED, "God of War Is a Messy, Beguiling Take on Fantasy Violence and Toxic Masculinity," 25 Apr. 2018
Anna Fusco, president of the Broward Teachers Union, said many teachers sympathize with the Promise program’s aim.

— michelle hackman, WSJ, "Lawmakers Focus on Obama-Era Discipline Policies After Florida School Shooting," 26 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sympathize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of sympathize

1600

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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SYMPATHIZE Defined for English Language Learners

sympathize

verb

Definition of sympathize for English Language Learners

: to feel sorry for someone who is in a bad situation : to feel sympathy for someone because you understand that person's problems
: to feel or show support for or approval of something