sympathize

verb

sym·​pa·​thize ˈsim-pə-ˌthīz 

sympathized; sympathizing

intransitive verb

1

: to be in keeping, accord, or harmony

2

: to react or respond in sympathy

3

: to share in suffering or grief : commiserate

sympathize with a friend in trouble

also : to express such sympathy

4

: to be in sympathy intellectually

sympathize with a proposal

sympathizer noun

Synonyms

• ache (for)
• bleed (for)
• commiserate (with)
• compassionate
• condole (with)
• feel (for)
• pity
• yearn (over)

Examples of sympathize in a Sentence

I sympathize but how can I help?

Recent Examples on the Web

Tens of thousands of people have expressed support on social media for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, or sympathized with it, in what at least one researcher is calling a worrying sign of radicalization among segments of the U.S. population. —Ken Dilanian, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024

The hour sits with him as his anxiety builds, causing some to sympathize with him despite his typical vile behavior. —Ew Staff, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2024

The court’s liberals, meanwhile, sympathized with the Biden administration’s citation of major medical organizations that consider gender-affirming care safe and medically necessary. —Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024

Many sympathized with Biden's fatherly instincts, especially given the tragedies his family has endured — but warned that the pardon would further erode Americans' trust in government. —Zachary Basu, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sympathize

verb

sym·​pa·​thize ˈsim-pə-ˌthīz 

sympathized; sympathizing

1

: to share in suffering or grief : to feel or show sympathy

2

: to be in favor of something

sympathizer noun