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

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

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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 Ainsley Earhardt referenced the previous interview and expressed sympathy for Zacharia. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 Public sympathy for Palestinians is widespread in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, and the government has long supported an independent Palestinian state. — Niniek Karmini, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Gareth Copley/Getty Images Udal does not want this to be a total tale of woe and is not seeking sympathy. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Anyone who expresses admiration, positivity, or sympathy for Art of Play is getting attacked by trolls. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sympathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy

Noun

Immersed in a melting pot of Mexican, Filipino, African American, Japanese and Chinese working families, Huerta learned from her mother — who owned a restaurant and hotel — about independence, compassion and activism.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
This is reorienting representation in Arkansas based on common sense, based on compassion and based on showing up.

— Stephen Fowler, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of compassion

Noun

Patience and kindness can go a long way, Henderson says, and Seshadri reminds everyone to extend that respect to the airport staff and your fellow passengers.

— Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Be patient when a grocery store cashier with disabilities rings up your items — kindness can go a long way.

— John Gill, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

In theory, automation in customer service should mean human agents spend less time on admin and more time helping customers with problems that require human judgment, empathy and experience.

— Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
But underneath what seems promising, the beginnings of empathy and maybe healing, there’s something performative and calculated in this fast bond.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of empathy

Noun

The pity of the judge who imprisoned them here was cold comfort for a group of people who had little reason to trust any legal authority.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
Still, the track eventually collides into a seasick wall of distortion that recalls lovesliescrushing’s weightless takes on shoegaze as Pitchkites sings of unmet expectations and self pity.

— Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of pity

Noun

The results are most effective when the lyrics are tight and embody the colorful feelings that Greene’s music often evokes.

— Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
That and the two uniquely miserable Atlanta seasons under Morris’ guidance would normally be enough to gin up some bad feelings among the masses.

— Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of feelings

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“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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