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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 Serra, whose father fought in the Resistance, but in a non-Communist brigade that never reconciled itself with the more hard-line postwar Communists, admits more than a measure of sympathy for Malaparte. Thomas Meaney, New Yorker, 2 July 2025 Officials mourn deputy amid bond hearing for driver who struck him The funeral arrangements come as public officials, including Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine, express their sympathies for the deputy and his family. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Boelter’s wife, in her first public statement, expressed her family’s sympathies to the Hortman and Hoffman families. Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 26 June 2025 Fans, followers and fellow parents took to the comment section to share their sympathy — and confusion. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
  • Stripped of her powers under a red sun, Supergirl must rely on her grit, compassion and wits to guide Ruthye on a path of vengeance and justice, ultimately confronting the nature of violence and power.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 12 July 2025
  • To many of them, advancing Christian dominance matters more than human compassion.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Lunches, meetings, phone calls, always Mark’s delicious southern drawl infusing us with his spirit and kindness.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 7 July 2025
  • Politeness and kindness are attributes that parents want to reinforce and encourage in their children.
    Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • This simple shift calms your brain’s stress response, makes your complaint more likely to be received with empathy and often leads to resolution. 2.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • But what makes the movie, and Supes himself, endearing is how the dude tackles any and all problems with empathy and sincerity.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Brands should take the importance of sustainability measures to heart and weave their commitment to the environment into their messaging—but with care.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Nicola shared additional photos on her Instagram Stories, including one of her and someone who appeared to be Brooklyn making a heart with their hands as the sun hit above them.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • This is a group of smart, resilient and cheerfully irreverent people who definitely don’t want your pity.
    Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
  • Suddenly sitting atop the industry leader, John, Junior regarded Fred Smith with a combination of amusement, disdain or pity.
    Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sympathy

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