Definition of sympathynext
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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 Fellow Olympians Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Monica Aksamit, were among those extending their sympathies to Vonn. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026 Sarah Henderson, a senator in the Liberal party that has seen its vote eroded by One Nation, said Tuesday that Australians with sympathies toward ISIS should be barred from re-entering the country. Reuters, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026 Former colleagues of Elliott also shared memories and sympathies following his death. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 17 Feb. 2026 There has been a lot of sympathy for the sisters as Britons have watched each salacious detail emerge. Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
  • Through fasting, believers also experience the hunger and thirst of the poor, further building a sense of compassion and generosity.
    Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Nanos asked members of the media to exhibit professionalism and compassion.
    Richard Ruelas, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Think of kindness and gratitude as two strands that twist together into the helix of your child's happiness.
    Catherine Newman, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
  • But also moments of strength, kindness and profound connection.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Emotional societies create competing ideologies and leaders who are incapable of empathy.
    Roger Van Zanen, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Experiencing hunger deepens empathy for those who face it daily, which is why charitable giving and volunteerism increase during Ramadan.
    Irfan Sarwar, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • From the outside, the structure, which stands next to a large mirror, resembles a human heart.
    Precious Adesina, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • At its heart is a walkable downtown anchored by Falls Park on the Reedy, where waterfalls, lush landscaping, and the Liberty Bridge create a postcard-worthy setting just steps from Main Street’s shops, restaurants, and galleries.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The pity party playlist has run dry.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Therefore, Tagovailoa’s not deserving of hatred, or pity for what’s to come, which supposedly hasn’t been decided according to a chat the new regime had with season-ticket holders Thursday night.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • When feelings have room to breathe, all kinds of bonds between people can grow!
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026
  • And this is true even if your feelings have been hurt.
    Barton Goldsmith, AJC.com, 18 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sympathy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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