1
as in compassion
sorrow or the capacity to feel sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune
since losing her own brother to lung disease, the nurse has had greater sympathy for families going through the same agony
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in kindness
the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune
the least you could do is have some sympathy for me if I have to stay home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sympathy
When one family’s beloved dog died, people brought gifts and sympathy cards.
—
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Whether her reluctance to break decisively with Owens reflects ideological sympathy, a commitment to free expression, or a calculation about audience retention remains an open question.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Republicans' sympathies are still heavily with Israelis - 70% in Gallup and 69% in NBC.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 18 Mar. 2026
Among some parts of the intellectual and cultural elite, such as parts of academia, nonprofits and political parties, hostility toward Jews has become more apparent, with some suggesting that Jews simply do not deserve the same moral sympathy extended to other minorities.
—Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Whether her reluctance to break decisively with Owens reflects ideological sympathy, a commitment to free expression, or a calculation about audience retention remains an open question.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Republicans' sympathies are still heavily with Israelis - 70% in Gallup and 69% in NBC.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 18 Mar. 2026
Among some parts of the intellectual and cultural elite, such as parts of academia, nonprofits and political parties, hostility toward Jews has become more apparent, with some suggesting that Jews simply do not deserve the same moral sympathy extended to other minorities.
—Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
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Creason’s love for life in the fast lane was matched by his compassion, loyalty and willingness to help anyone without hesitation, according to his obituary.—
Elissa Jorgensen,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Your compassion and generosity have meant more than words can express during this difficult time.—
Shelley Bortz,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The radiant Sun conjoins fanciful Neptune in your 7th House of Interdependence, adding extra kindness to your imagination, so boundaries and bonds can both feel easier and more creative.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Mar. 2026
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And love is sacrifice, service, kindness, and grace.—
Faith Salie,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Dee labeled Angie as depressed, bipolar, lacking empathy, narcissistic, et cetera.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Washington Post,
23 Mar. 2026
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Montessori classrooms mirror this natural structure, helping children develop empathy, communication skills, and leadership abilities.—
Jose Bolaños,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Those most at risk to the heat included people over 60 years old, under 12 years old, or those pregnant, diabetic, having a heart condition.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
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Of the stubborn hearts in these mountains of mine who wore pride like a coat and refused to bow beneath the shadows these mountains could cast in both heart and spirit.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Playing the lead, Falls does a very good job of showing the tragedy of Carroll’s situation without ever playing the role for pity; the toxic world of the manosphere seldom has been so graphically or gruesomely rendered.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
20 Mar. 2026
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This would be a pity for nature, but also a major loss for the growers.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Your 12th House of Subtlety wakes as the Moon settles into Aries, inviting gentle reflection by writing a private note to capture feelings before obligations crowd your day.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2026
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But for as much as Rick and Morty understands geekdom and storytelling conventions, the secret sauce is how much the series is interested in understanding feelings.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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