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

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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

Examples 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 The backlash against Thompson spread across social media, from TikTok to Twitter, LinkedIn to Bluesky — typically acerbic jokes about the poster’s empathy being out of network or that Thompson’s claim to sympathy had been denied. —

Aja Romano, Vox, 7 Dec. 2024 Many also expressed sympathy for Mr. Thompson, his family and the rule of law. —

Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Dec. 2024 Chances are that the listener will respond with sympathy for your plight. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 The letter hints that Lennon was aware of Clapton’s delicate situation and felt some sympathy with him. —

Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sympathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy

Noun

As practitioners of empathy and compassion, associates are unbridled to become magnets for bringing out the best in others around them.

Chip Bell, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Our brothers and sisters in crisis deserve our compassion and understanding, not violence.

Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 9 Dec. 2024