SYMPATHY Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sympathy

noun

ˈsim-pə-thē

Definition of sympathy next

as in compassion

sorrow or the capacity to feel sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune since losing her own brother to lung disease, the nurse has had greater sympathy for families going through the same agony

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in kindness

the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune the least you could do is have some sympathy for me if I have to stay home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Trump has increasingly expressed sympathy with TikTok as the ban approached. —

Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025 Trump voiced sympathy during the 2024 campaign for nonviolent Jan. 6 offenders and decried long sentences. —

Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025 At the time, Ali expressed no sympathy for Malcolm X’s death. —

Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025 Psychological realism requires some sympathy with a central character. —

Max Chapnick, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sympathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy

Noun

In that climate, acts of compassion and humanity become suspicious, even unwelcome.

— Belinda Luscombe, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
The interfaith outpouring of compassion and generosity is an example of faith in action, those interviewed say.

— Sophie Hills, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Jan. 2025