empathetic

adjective

ˌem-pə-ˈthe-tik How to pronounce empathetic (audio)
Definition of empatheticnext
as in compassionate
having or showing the capacity for sharing the feelings of another an empathetic social worker who soon realized that the single mother was at her breaking point

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 empathetic Being empathetic and talking to people doesn’t amount to condoning their behavior, Marnik added. — Felice J. Freyer, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026 Providing better support Research shows that people who better understand nuances of trauma and mental health in turn are more empathetic toward survivors. — Michele Patterson Ford, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026 With the suspense of a thriller, director Beth de Araújo tells a deeply empathetic family drama about fear and the limits of parental care. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 Other comments drew comparisons between Kate and the late Princess Diana, who was known for her empathetic nature and ability to connect with others. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empathetic
  1. compassionate
  2. sympathetic
Adjective
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 The routine that keeps draining you may need a more compassionate rhythm.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The vaccine is being used under a compassionate-use program, which allows a medical product to be used in a serious disease situation even though it has not been specifically approved for that particular use.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • With the ownership transfer and a potentially sympathetic mayor, the future of the graves at Higgs Beach enters another period of hope and uncertainty.
    — Oliver Wu, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The smartest plaintiffs' attorneys are doing a good job shopping for judges sympathetic to their cases — and there are more than 30 at the moment with nearly 400 athletes involved.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of sympathetic

Browse Nearby Words

emotions
empathetic
empathic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Empathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empathetic. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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