• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

sym·bol·ism noun : representation of abstract or intangible things by means of symbols

sym·bol·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing 1 : to serve as a symbol of

2 : to represent by symbols

— sym·bol·i·za·tion noun

sym·me·try noun, plural -tries 1 : an arrangement marked by regularity and balanced proportions

2 : correspondence in size, shape, and position of parts that are on opposite sides of a dividing line or center

— sym·met·ri·cal or sym·met·ric adjective

— sym·met·ri·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms

balance, coherence, consonance, harmony, proportion, symphony, unity—more at HARMONY

sym·pa·thet·ic adjective : given to, marked by, or arising from sympathy, compassion, friendliness, and sensitivity to others' emotions

— sym·pa·thet·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms

compassionate, humane, understanding; also gentle, sensitive, tender, tenderhearted, warm, warmhearted; benevolent, benignant, charitable, kind; clement, lenient, merciful; cordial, friendly, good-natured, good-tempered, gracious; affectionate, loving

Antonyms

callous, cold-blooded, heartless, inhuman, inhumane, unfeeling, unsympathetic

beneficent, benevolent, good-hearted, humane, kind, kindly, tender, tenderhearted, warmhearted—more at HUMANE

sympathetic nervous system noun : the part of the autonomic nervous system that is concerned esp. with the body's response to stress and that tends to decrease the tone and contractility of smooth muscle and increase blood pressure and the activity of the heart

sym·pa·thise chiefly British variant of SYMPATHIZE

sym·pa·thize verb -thized; -thiz·ing : to feel or show sympathy

Synonyms usually sympathize with

bleed, commiserate, feel, pity—more at PITY

sym·pa·thiz·er noun : one that sympathizes : one that acts or reacts in sympathy

Synonyms

abettor, ally, backer, confederate, supporter—more at ALLY

sym·pa·thy noun, plural -thies 1 : a relationship between persons or things wherein whatever affects one similarly affects the other

2 : harmony of interests and aims

3 : FAVOR, SUPPORT

4 : the capacity for entering into and sharing the feelings or interests of another; also : COMPASSION

5 : an expression of sorrow for another's loss, grief, or misfortune

Synonyms

commiseration, compassion, feeling; also condolence, regret; humanity, kindliness, kindness, mercy, pity; affinity, empathy, rapport, sensitivity; altruism, benevolence, benignity, charity, generosity, goodwill, humanitarianism, philanthropy

Antonyms

callousness

charity, heart, humanity, kindliness, kindness, mercy, pity—more at HEART

sym·phon·ic adjective : musically concordant

Synonyms

euphonious, harmonious, melodious, musical, tuneful—more at HARMONIOUS

sym·pho·ny noun, plural -nies 1 : harmony of sounds

2 : a large and complex composition for a full orchestra

3 : a large orchestra of a kind that plays symphonies

Synonyms

balance, coherence, consonance, harmony, proportion, symmetry, unity—more at HARMONY

sym·po·sium noun, plural -sia or -siums : a conference at which a particular topic is discussed by various speakers; also : a collection of opinions about a subject

Synonyms

colloquy, conference, council, forum, panel, parley, powwow, seminar—more at FORUM

symp·tom noun [ORIGIN: LL symptoma, fr. Gk symptōma happening, attribute, symptom, fr. sympiptein to happen, fr. syn with + piptein to fall]

1 : something that indicates the presence of disease or abnormality; especially : something (as a headache) that can be sensed only by the individual affected

2 : SIGN, INDICATION

symp·tom·at·ic adjective : serving to indicate

Synonyms

characteristic, classic, distinct, distinctive, individual, peculiar, proper, typical—more at CHARACTERISTIC

syn abbreviation synonym; synonymous; synonymy

syn·a·gogue also syn·a·gog noun [ORIGIN: ME synagoge, fr. AF, fr. LL synagoga, fr. Gk synagōgē assembly, synagogue, fr. synagein to bring together]

1 : a Jewish congregation

2 : the house of worship of a Jewish congregation

syn·apse noun : the point at which