empathize

verb

Definition of empathizenext
as in to sympathize
to have the same feelings as another person; to feel empathy for someone
—often + with He learned to empathize with the poor.

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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 empathize Learning another language can deepen cultural understanding, improve interpersonal communication and encourage people to empathize with other people’s perspectives and experiences. — Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026 Art history is full of artists like McNeely and Soutine, on society’s margins and empathizing with our species’ cold, systematic violence toward other animals. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Clark empathized with short men who tried but failed to find a girlfriend. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 By shining a light on one of her toughest periods (Diana and Charles separated in 1992), Stewart empathized with Diana deeply. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathize
sympathize
Verb
  • Holmes is much easier to sympathize with if your impression is limited to her — her story, her life, and her family, which make up the bulk of the movie.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2026
  • As her son Rauri, Murphy plays a creepy, brooding university dropout whom audiences also can’t help sympathize with.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of sympathize

Browse Nearby Words

empathic
empathize
empathized
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Cite this Entry

“Empathize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empathize. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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