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 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

Most people understand and sympathize with someone who has cancer or a stroke. —Kat McGowan, NPR, 31 Dec. 2025

So for those wanting to sympathize with the collapse of the rival kingdom, save your Kleenex for more worthy causes. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 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