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

Hook, who grew up in Grayslake, went to Northwestern and now lives in Michigan, sympathizes with the group. —Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 22 Sep. 2024

Judy often doesn’t register or sympathize with others’ emotions. —Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 28 July 2024

Another commenter sympathized with OP's sister, but felt there was a better way to handle the situation than embarrassing the mother and daughter in front of the rest of the family. —Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 13 Aug. 2024

Polls find that young people sympathize more with the Palestinians. —Eric Cortellessa/jerusalem, TIME, 8 Aug. 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