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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 West and Johnson repeatedly thanked attendees and the entire Sacramento community for the outpouring of sympathy cards, donations and love coming their way. Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025 Commissioners offered sympathy for his circumstances, but little else. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2025 Most sympathy, however, was directed at Palestinian civilians and not Hamas. Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025 But at least some Bills fans felt sympathy, even amid their triumph. Victor Mather, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sympathy 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
  • Our mission is to document truthfully, fairly and with compassion.
    The Pham, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Maybe that is down to the latter’s hyper-inflated ecosystem, its player sales that feel laughably untethered from real life or just an unspoken exhaustion with things like compassion and not treating people like cash cows.
    Megan Feringa, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Take a moment to watch these other random acts of kindness captured on camera!
    Ronnie Li, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The viral video left many TikTok users emotional and grateful for the couple's kindness.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • For smaller slip-ups, like a friend arriving late to your birthday party or an aunt who accidentally cracked an insensitive comment about your body, both experts recommend getting into the habit of practicing empathy.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Feb. 2025
  • This process fosters emotional contagion and empathy, reinforcing touch as a vital tool for emotional connection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The line of drinkware includes an assortment of tumblers and cold cups adorned with hearts, flowers and pink and red hues, according to Starbucks.
    Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • And that heat is safely hidden behind a cute cover, complete with rainbow hearts.
    Emily Martin, Them, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While some followers showed support, the majority had no pity.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Lee is greedy in his physical consumption, but Allerton looks down at him with a mash-up of lust, pity and authority.
    Esther Zuckerman, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near sympathy

Cite this Entry

“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sympathy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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