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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 American sympathy for Israelis has dropped to its lowest level in 25 years, while sympathy for Palestinians now stands at a record high, according to new polling. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025 Is his reality show just a veiled attempt to create sympathy for himself with a future jury pool in our civil case? Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025 The family released a statement thanking the community for prayers and support, while offering their sympathy to the family of the other victim allegedly shot by Manning, identified as Katherine Bjorklund, 33. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2025 Still, this adaptation of an O. Henry story tilts all its sympathies toward the outlaw hero the Cisco Kid (Warner Baxter, in a Best Actor–winning role) and away from the pompous white soldier charged with tracking him down. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sympathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathy
Noun
  • And this week, Gordon added the Ed Block Courage Award to his resume, recognized by teammates for his courage, compassion, commitment and community service.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
  • As recent entries in the subgenre have proven, there’s plenty of compassion to be squeezed from the slasher genre as well.
    Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Those include bullying, friendship, school, kindness/empathy, self-worth/confidence, and mental health/well-being.
    Liz Regalia, Parents, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The capital city of the world’s happiest country exemplifies what makes Finland such an ideal spot for happiness—not just focusing on health or wealth alone, Helsinki places emphasis on things like community, kindness, trust in society, and easy access to nature and green spaces.
    Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Noah Davis’s premature death in 2015, at just 32, deprived the world of a singular talent whose work combined technical mastery with a profound empathy for everyday life.
    Nargess Banks, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Humanitarian aid is based on empathy and the recognition that everyone has a right to live with dignity.
    Chen Reis, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Increasing your water intake can benefit overall health, including the health of your kidneys, brain, and heart.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Mar. 2025
  • And for me, to be on the cover of Vogue Philippines, for my first Vogue cover, is so special and will forever just hold the most special place in my heart.
    Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Which is a pity, because the pedigree looks great on paper.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Here’s what autism isn’t, Gross says – something to be scared of or pity.
    Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Sympathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathy. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sympathy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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