empathize

verb

em·​pa·​thize ˈem-pə-ˌthīz How to pronounce empathize (audio)
empathized; empathizing
Synonyms of empathizenext

intransitive verb

: to experience empathy
empathized with his son's fears
empathizer
ˈem-pə-ˌthī-zər How to pronounce empathize (audio)
noun

Examples of empathize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 The ability to empathize does not come naturally to everyone, however. — Sally Percy, Forbes.com, 12 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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empathize was circa 1916

Rhymes for empathize

See All Rhymes for empathize

Browse Nearby Words

empathise
empathize
empathy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Empathize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathize. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

empathize

intransitive verb
em·​pa·​thize
variants or British empathise
ˈem-pə-ˌthīz How to pronounce empathize (audio)
empathized or British empathised; empathizing or British empathising
: to experience empathy
adults unable to empathize with a child's frustrations

More from Merriam-Webster on empathize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for empathize

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