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 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 Tammen worked decades in the mining industry and empathizes with people like King, but does not feel a mine is worth potentially jeopardizing the watershed. — Erin Hassanzadeh, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Pollard has described himself as a candidate that can empathize with large swaths of the Jackson County voter base, as a small business owner, homeowner and parent. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathize
sympathize
Verb
  • Swan Song is not exactly endearing Spencer to his countrymen, who generally struggle to sympathize with an indiscreet Old Etonian with a fourth wife and a Northamptonshire-size chip on his shoulder.
    — Ashley Baker, Air Mail, 3 Oct. 2026
  • But while Alice might sympathize with Catherine, Nora doesn’t.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Aug. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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