empathetic

adjective

em·​pa·​thet·​ic ˌem-pə-ˈthe-tik 

: involving, characterized by, or based on empathy

empathetically

ˌem-pə-ˈthe-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• compassionate
• sympathetic

Examples of empathetic in a Sentence

an empathetic social worker who soon realized that the single mother was at her breaking point

Recent Examples on the Web

As highlighted in the report, empathetic managers reduce uncertainty stress by 37% and disconnect by nearly 50%. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

And best of all, no one could possibly be embarrassed by these empathetic words. —Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025

Bottom line: To reverse the pessimism-uncertainty-disconnect threat, leaders should prioritize developing empathetic leadership at all levels, provide support for resiliency, and encourage peer support to strengthen company cultures. —Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 18 June 2025

For Popovich, offering blunt feedback in an empathetic way led to stronger relationships and often yielded lasting results. —Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 18 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for empathetic

• alphabetic
• anaesthetic
• anesthetic
• antithetic
• apathetic
• arithmetic
• cybernetic
• diabetic
• dietetic
• diuretic
• energetic
• geodetic