1
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
2
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sympathy
First Lady Melania Trump also spoke, expressing her sympathy for the parents of the deceased children, the community and everyone who lost a loved one.
—
Samara Gerstle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025
There was sympathy from coaches, the dressing room and supporters.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 8 July 2025
McMahon’s post alluded to comments from Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has shown some sympathy toward those who object to transgender girls competing in sports against cisgender girls, calling it an issue of fairness.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
No doubt, Purvis is dealing with a lot, but Harris’ mother expressed no sympathy.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Samara Gerstle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025
There was sympathy from coaches, the dressing room and supporters.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 8 July 2025
McMahon’s post alluded to comments from Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has shown some sympathy toward those who object to transgender girls competing in sports against cisgender girls, calling it an issue of fairness.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
No doubt, Purvis is dealing with a lot, but Harris’ mother expressed no sympathy.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
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Among those lessons is that working with young people — and earning their trust — requires patience and compassion.—
Killian Baarlaer,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
-
Above all, excellence is an ethic—a commitment to integrity, mastery and compassion.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Noun
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But his message will resound of kindness and creativity.—
Steve Baltin,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
Thanks to the kindness of strangers, Morosca was able to make the journey back to Louisiana and adopt the Lab.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
18 July 2025
Noun
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The Vault ensures lessons in courage and empathy are never lost or forgotten. 5.—
Shekar Natarajan,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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The hope is to sharpen their skills of observation and empathy.—
Alice Park,
Time,
21 July 2025
Noun
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What makes for a better song — a broken heart or falling in love?—
Brittany Talarico,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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Gold was also a winner at Rahul Mishra, whose show opened with a minidress sculpted like a human heart decked-out in gold sequins.—
Ari Stark,
Footwear News,
15 July 2025
Noun
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While less-friendly fellow robots don’t feel pity, remorse, or fear, buying agents don’t feel greed, FOMO, or brand loyalty.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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The Chinese god of the sun saw all of this from his perch in heaven and took great pity on Tung Yung.—
Mike Lynch,
Twin Cities,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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