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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 The show has more sympathy for Guiteau than the book, at least so far. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2025 Rather than rob the story of its teeth, this enabled me to explore the pain, loneliness and personal demons of my characters with sympathy rather than stinging bite. Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025 Shares of Royal Caribbean and Carnival both fell 5% and 8%, respectively, in sympathy. Scott Schnipper, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025 But a lot of Democratic voters don't feel much sympathy for this argument. Ashley Lopez, NPR, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
  • The human element, the essence of trust and compassion, is exactly where AI stumbles.
    Dr. Nicholas Cozzi, Time, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Another commenter took a softer approach, encouraging compassion while still supporting the woman’s feelings.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Squid Game is an elimination game, but there are these moments of deep altruism and kindness even amongst it.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The space is charming, and the entire team radiates warmth and kindness.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Virginia Ritter spent most of her of the rest of her life vacillating between empathy and anger for her daughter's killer, all the while serving as a fierce victims' rights advocate in Nashville.
    Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Serena, following in her father’s footsteps, was a beacon of empathy and hope, inspiring all with her commitment to humanitarian work.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Still, more robust research was needed to declare that the portfolio diet leads to heart-health benefits for everyone, including healthy individuals.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Gizmo’s incredible adoption story has certainly melted hearts online after Neveux documented her journey on TikTok (@saviiirose).
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Rather than wallow in pity, and swim in anger, few schools from either the Pac-12 or Big 12 got over it to move ahead better than Texas Tech.
    Mac Engel November 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Sighs of pity rose around the gallows.
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Instead, online engagement, which includes official website traffic and social media interactions, provides real-time insight into public excitement and feelings.
    William Jones, IndyStar, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Venus in Scorpio escalates emotional feelings around your financial security and safety.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sympathy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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