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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 While the heartbeat of the play remains with Caroline and Maddie, Rhea certainly earns our sympathy if not our approbation. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025 In its original incarnation, the group stood in opposition to the House Un-American Activities Committee’s Joseph McCarthy-era interrogations of Hollywood figures suspected of communist sympathies. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025 The Bills will get no sympathy from the Ravens there. Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames, yet thought a one line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
  • Despite the social stigma surrounding tattoos in Vietnam, Ngoc empowers her clients, including breast cancer survivors and women with self-harm scars, to reclaim their bodies, demonstrating that her work is a profound act of compassion and resilience.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Asked how many offenses should trigger jail time, Harrell dismissed punitive responses and framed the issue as a call for compassion.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But thanks to a free tool called Love Lost and the kindness of a good neighbor, Louie is back home safe and sound.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • For her kindness and friendship, for her humour and irrepressible enthusiasm, for her curiosity, for her courage, and for her profound love of animals.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The attempt to build empathy An Israeli researcher of Middle East politics is trying to help restore empathy.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Technically speaking, Ares has an infant’s emotional maturity at first, but swiftly develops empathy and other sophisticated feelings.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Your Heart Rate and Blood Pressure May Rise Green tea supports heart health, but may temporarily raise heart rate and blood pressure due to its caffeine content.
    Regina Windsor, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2025
  • These are lessons that leaders should take to heart and employ much more today.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some earlier African intellectuals looked at Black America with pity, even disdain.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Weeping savors a virtue — compassion, tenderness, pity, love.
    Big Think, Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Lyrics suggest the friend from her past died suddenly, leaving her with unresolved feelings.
    Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Additionally, multitasking contributes to mental fatigue and negatively impacts overall well-being, with some participants reporting feelings of exhaustion after.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sympathy

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