sympathetic

adjective

ˌsim-pə-ˈthe-tik How to pronounce sympathetic (audio)
Definition of sympatheticnext
1
as in compassionate
having or showing the capacity for sharing the feelings of another a sympathetic smile needed a sympathetic listener who would understand her marital woes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in benevolent
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others a sympathetic store manager who let us use the telephone sympathetic letters from supporters after the disappointing verdict

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sympathetic Green doesn’t go too far transforming him into a sympathetic hero. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Public rallies, sympathetic profiles, and fundraising have contributed to a narrative in which Clancy is portrayed as the person most harmed by her children’s deaths. — Laurie Myers, Boston Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 The show was considered an outlier in its generally sympathetic take on Hill and his conservative views, as well as in terms of the agency with which the show’s creators endowed its working- and middle-class characters. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026 My alderman’s office was sympathetic and advised me to take a photo of the lawbreaker’s license plate and send it to the Chicago Police Department. — Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
  1. compassionate
  2. benevolent
  3. kind
  4. thoughtful
  5. humane
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
  • The new movie follows a benevolent ex-pilot named Hig (Jacob Elordi) who, after losing his wife during a catastrophic global pandemic, lives out in the wilderness with his dog, Jasper, and ornery isolationist pal Bangley (Josh Brolin).
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • City leaders agree large, unsupervised gatherings could put kids at risk even if most attendees are there for benevolent reasons.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of benevolent
Adjective
  • Honestly, the real amenity here is the staff, who made a very big, bustling corner of the city feel warm and kind.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In another life, a life that was kind to black people, Atlas would’ve been a scientist or a king or a master craftsman.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of kind
Adjective
  • The fall 2026 collections leaned into this expression of individuality, showcasing an array of accents that encourage thoughtful experimentation.
    — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Every element is artful, thoughtful—a genuine expression of the Sersales’ enduring love affair with contemporary art and cultural storytelling.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • Rio Blanco County Commissioner Callie Scritchfield, however, said captivity is more humane than allowing the horses to roam free.
    — Stina Sieg, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The organization, previously known as The Humane Society of the United States, said three former dog meat vendors made the operation possible after deciding to leave the industry and pursue more humane careers.
    — Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of humane

Browse Nearby Words

symmetry
sympathetic
sympathetically
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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