# sympathizer

/ˈsɪmpəˌθaɪzɝ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sympathizer
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a person who supports an idea, group, or cause but is not an official member of it. You use this when someone agrees with others and shows support for them.

For teachers: a person who supports or agrees with a political cause, group, or movement without being a formal member. Often implies moral or ideological alignment rather than active participation.

## Examples

- She is a sympathizer of the animal rights movement.
- The charity welcomes sympathizers who donate money even if they never attend meetings.
- Although never a party member, the professor was long regarded as a leftist sympathizer because his writings defended its economic reforms.

## Synonyms

supporter

## Antonyms

opponent

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.