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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sympathy differ from other similar words?

The words affinity and attraction are common synonyms of sympathy. While all three words mean "the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together," sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence.

two minds in sympathy

When might affinity be a better fit than sympathy?

The meanings of affinity and sympathy largely overlap; however, affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn.

an affinity for mathematics

When is attraction a more appropriate choice than sympathy?

In some situations, the words attraction and sympathy are roughly equivalent. However, attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it.

felt an attraction to danger

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of sympathy Authorities in both Canada and the Philippines have condemned the attack and shared their sympathies with the families affected. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025 Liberal candidates’ sympathy for (and outright alliance with) the Chinese Communist Party is just one sign of the CCP’s interference in Canadian politics. Matthew Lau, National Review, 26 Apr. 2025 Dutton's hardline rhetoric, including sympathy for Trump's style of politics and calls for closer ties with like-minded nationalist leaders, has unnerved moderate voters. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a statement expressing sympathy with the victims and their families. Jim Morris and Rob Gilles, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
  • Their courage should prompt compassion, not condemnation.
    Laura Castañeda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • Our world needs symbols of hope, compassion and something greater than the struggles of this life.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • The results might not be visible immediately, but the children who are supported by the generosity of Build-a-Bear are more likely to become productive members of their communities — and perhaps continue passing along the kindness to others.
    Jaime Catmull, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
  • Thousands of TikTok users were moved by their reunion and began sharing their own stories of silent kindness from strangers.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • The loss of community and empathy for others drowned in the waves of fear, uncertainty, and for many, anger.
    Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
  • But however well-intentioned the company may be, piling on the contrived empathy can get some users hooked, an issue even OpenAI has acknowledged.
    Parmy Olson, Twin Cities, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • But most importantly, Cuban wore his heart on his jacket sleeves for fellow entrepreneurs coming onto the show.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • When the call came that a donor heart was available, Robinson was hit with a wave of emotion.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Chernow follows the pattern of most biographers in giving this work less attention than the more chipper earlier books—which is a pity, because the later work also reflects the Twain best illuminated by Chernow’s biography and its emphasis on Twain’s most forlorn years.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
  • The evening ends with everyone hating Matt and feeling no pity as he’s hauled away in an ambulance.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sympathy

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