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

Relevance

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 Not only did nobody help him, but social media users didn’t show any sympathy for him either in the comments. —

Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 2 Jan. 2025 The correct order is to lavish sympathy on your poor, sick friend, followed by appreciation for her willingness to sacrifice herself so as not to throw off your party. —

Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2024 German referee Tobias Stieler had little time for understanding or sympathy and gave a penalty. —

Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024 But the scene simultaneously made viewers feel sympathy and appreciation for Khloe’s willingness to now open up about the situation. —

Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sympathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy

Noun

Your kindness and compassion means the world to us.

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025
Isaac wants to ignore her, but, overcome by compassion, Sara embraces her.

Keith Phipps, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025