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.
Democratic sympathy for Israelis has fallen to 17%, the lowest level ever recorded, while 65% now sympathize with Palestinians. Jacki Karsh, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026 Jeff Dean, Google's chief scientist, received the memo and appeared to sympathize with at least some of the concerns. Jennifer Elias,mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026 Democrats have shifted most sharply, with roughly two-thirds now sympathizing more with Palestinians compared with only one-quarter in 2016. Linley Sanders, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 Cruelty and corruption recognized no regional boundaries, and officials on both sides seem to have come closer to despising than sympathizing with their suffering captives. Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 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 12 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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