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

The moment has resonated deeply, earning over 334,000 views and 90,000 likes as users sympathize with the aging pet’s determination. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

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

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