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

That’s not to say that Pact CEO John McVay doesn’t sympathize with anxiety over the foreign format trend. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024

Bohdan grinned or hugged or sympathized with his castmates as needed. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2024

While most Americans sympathize with Israel, a segment of the Democratic Party is harshly critical of the U.S. ally and, in some cases, openly pro-Hamas. —The Editors, National Review, 17 Oct. 2024

In the comments section of the post, many people sympathized with the bride's situation, understanding why her feelings have been hurt by her sister and brother's behavior. —Erin Clack, People.com, 23 Oct. 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