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

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 Trump’s continued sympathy towards Putin must be examined on the eve of the U.S. elections. —

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 The shop’s general manager, Nikki Lee, had nothing but sympathy and praise for the van lifers. —

Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 There isn’t a parent on this Earth who won’t wince in sympathy at some of these tapes, even the happiest of which forced Robert and Trude to confront the evidence of their son’s deterioration, and there isn’t a doubt in our minds that Mats meant the world to them. —

David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2024 Fans flooded the comments to express their sympathy for the loss, and one particular commenter had a great idea regarding telling her story. —

Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sympathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy

Noun

The Jewish obligation to give, tzedakah, was the source of her compassion.

Lee Habeeb, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Our campaign stood on principles — that were fueled by the values of common sense, compassion and consensus.

Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024