1
2

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 certainly lacks admiration for the liberal order’s achievements and sympathy for its basic ethos. Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 Many flooded the comments section with both sympathy and humor, relating the situation to their own pets. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025 Interchangeable white male actors play the series’ leftist punching bags, veterans who got radicalized after their tours overseas; there’s no sympathy for their probable PTSD and feelings of abandonment and frustration for serving in forever wars. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025 But so far, Mr. Trump has not displayed much sympathy for the consequences of a fast-moving approach on global businesses and governments. Ana Swanson, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
  • This is a scandalous example of a broken system where common sense and good judgment were overruled by bad advice, lack of compassion, irresponsible fiscal oversight and a litigious culture.
    Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Was that a genuine show of compassion, or an angle to get into Shauna’s good graces?
    Lauren Coates, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Redditors Share Their Own Heartwarming Delivery Stories Dwight's post struck a chord with many Reddit users, who shared their own experiences of kindness during deliveries.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Clarity can be another form of kindness, establishing boundaries that benefit everyone.
    Leisse Wilcox, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • And trying to start from a place of empathy of like, these are two parts of the same person who are both trapped in their circumstances in really different ways.
    Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
  • True friendship is built on respect, empathy, and reciprocity—qualities missing in this exchange.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • During the execution, Sigmon will be strapped to a chair, hooded, and marked with a target over his heart.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
  • As our hearts break for you, America, and every democracy now fighting for its life, millions of people have reached out to you in solemn solidarity.
    Sabrina Haake, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Decades of Palestinian barbarism have eroded the pity reserves of a majority of the Israeli people.
    Uri Kurlianchik, National Review, 25 Feb. 2025
  • His is a kind of pathetic that inspires neither scorn nor pity, but a universal, sorrowful connection — his yearning for a different face is a consideration of what makes a human being legible and thus able to be understood, known, even loved.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sympathy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!