empathic

adjective

em·​path·​ic em-ˈpa-thik How to pronounce empathic (audio)
im-
Synonyms of empathic
: involving, characterized by, or based on empathy : empathetic
It is also during early childhood that people begin experiencing empathic guilt—feeling distress when they have been the cause of someone else's discomfort.—Joseph Alper
empathically
em-ˈpa-thi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce empathic (audio)
im-
adverb
listening empathically

Synonyms of empathic

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Examples of empathic in a Sentence

gave an empathic nod as I recounted my repeated efforts to land a decent-paying job in a tough economy
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.
One of the fears concerning AI in fiction filmmaking is that the medium of cinema could lose the value of the empathic connection people have with other humans. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 Along those same lines, the show’s returning castmates shared which elements of Ted’s empathic ethos have become core in their own lives. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026 Born under the artistic water sign Pisces, symbolized by the Fish, your child is whimsical, sensitive, empathic, and imaginative. — Maressa Brown, Parents, 18 June 2026 Now, imagine this happening in a sentimental, intuitive and empathic sign like Cancer — this transit will feel like an overflow of emotion. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathic

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empathic was in 1909

Rhymes for empathic

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empathic
empathise
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Cite this Entry

“Empathic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

empathic

adjective
em·​path·​ic em-ˈpath-ik, im- How to pronounce empathic (audio)
: involving, characterized by, or based on empathy
empathically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce empathic (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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