sympathize

verb

sym·​pa·​thize ˈsim-pə-ˌthīz How to pronounce sympathize (audio)
sympathized; sympathizing
Synonyms of sympathizenext

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
sympathizer noun

Examples of sympathize in a Sentence

I sympathize but how can I help?
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Another festival insider sympathized, noting that all festivals struggled to retain sponsors after the pandemic. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2026 While Argentina’s Peronist government sympathized and often knew of Nazi criminals hiding in their territory – often under their auspices – once the populist regime fell, the South American nation half-heartedly tried to keep tabs on the war criminals hiding there. Solly Boussidan, FOXNews.com, 18 Jan. 2026 In September, a poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena University found that, for the first time, American voters sympathized more with Palestinians than Israelis. Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026 Readers on the forum sympathized with the teen about the issue. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sympathize

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of sympathize was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Sympathize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sympathize. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

sympathize

verb
sym·​pa·​thize ˈsim-pə-ˌthīz How to pronounce sympathize (audio)
sympathized; sympathizing
1
: to share in suffering or grief : to feel or show sympathy
2
: to be in favor of something
sympathizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sympathize

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