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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 parts of European societies have long nurtured a growing strain of anti-Americanism, Poland is different—few nations show such consistent sympathy for American citizens and ideals. Sławomir Cenckiewicz, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 An exotic mix of tears and sympathy. Nikki Giovanni september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 Butler and Malkovich turn bullying into hambone art, and Isaac magnetizes our sympathy as the daredevil but still relatively civilized Nick, who’s caught in the middle of all this. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025 But its sympathy for its aggrieved antihero feels very current. Katie Rife, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
  • Dykes said his team was on board from the get-go, and that his players were happy to join other schools’ players in a show of compassion.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
  • From claims adjudication to care coordination, every process requires balancing cost, quality, compliance, and compassion.
    Rajeev Ronanki, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Her kindness extended to her coworkers at Walmart.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The pair are remembered by the company for their kindness, generosity and support for local organizations such as the Ehloe Hospital, the Chico Police Business Support Team and Chico’s Elk Lodge.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In the years since its founding, the brand has shifted to a mental health and wellness destination, with apparel and initiatives geared toward positive messaging and empathy.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Touch used as a form of emotional communication helps regulate stress by conveying empathy.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As the sun was setting, hundreds of North Texans — many clad in black — gathered with candles and posters in their hands and solidarity in their hearts.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But roughly 20-30% of people who are infected develop severe symptoms, including a range of heart issues—such as heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or even death—and digestive issues—such as an enlarged esophagus or colon, which could cause problems with eating or going to the bathroom.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But Season 2 kills off the older Galpins without evoking any fear from their dastardly plans or pity for their ultimate plight.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Not used enough in today’s society, more’s the pity.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Listen To Your Gut With Clarity Gut feelings are not mystical.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Her therapist – who Heming Willis accidentally referred to her as her own caregiver – explained how normal these feelings were.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sympathy

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