sympathize

verb

sym·​pa·​thize ˈsim-pə-ˌthīz How to pronounce sympathize (audio)
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

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.
According to a February poll from the Public Religion Research Institute, a majority of Republicans support or sympathize with Christian nationalism. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025 New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns also took to social media to express his support for Marte. Towns, like Marte, lost his mother and can sympathize with what Marte went through. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025 Abbott makes the reader empathize and sympathize with her characters. Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025 However, other commenters sympathized with the OP — particularly regarding the Hawaii invite that was rescinded — and encouraged a direct conversation. Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sympathize

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sympathize was in 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sympathize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sympathize. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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