sympathize

verb

sym·​pa·​thize ˈsim-pə-ˌthīz 

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

sympathizer noun

Synonyms of sympathize

• pity
• feel (for)
• bleed (for)

Examples of sympathize in a Sentence

I sympathize but how can I help?

Recent Examples on the Web

In supporting the Palestinian cause, Ireland sees echoes of its own history, sympathizing with a like-minded quest of unfinished nationhood. —Gavan Reilly, Time, 12 Nov. 2025

Telhami's own work shows that today, only 32% of evangelicals aged 18-34 sympathize with Israel over the Palestinians — that's more than 30 points lower than the older generation. —Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025

Responses from readers were divided, but many sympathized with the mother’s perspective. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

So why should parents let their kids watch a show that sympathizes with protagonists who enjoy robbery in their free time? —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for sympathize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

sympathize

verb

sym·​pa·​thize ˈsim-pə-ˌthīz 

sympathized; sympathizing

1

: to share in suffering or grief : to feel or show sympathy

2

: to be in favor of something

sympathizer noun