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

But nowadays, unconditional US aid to Israel is deeply unpopular with Democratic voters, who are more likely than ever to sympathize with Palestinians over the Jewish state. —David Weigel, semafor.com, 18 Mar. 2026

As a parent of children in the school district, school board member April Beaton sympathizes with public concerns. —Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026

That was an interesting meta moment, to not just be part of the wedding but to really be sympathizing with the wedding planner. —Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026

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

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