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 of empathetic

• 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

The traditional orphans’ court framework allows empathetic, civic-minded citizens from all walks of life — including medical professionals, educators, accountants and business leaders — to stand for election. — Eric Wargotz, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026

Holistic, empathetic care Pediatric palliative care is an approach that emerged out of the adult hospice and palliative care movement in the 1990s to early 2000s as a distinct discipline. — Emilee Flynn, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026

Iowans want, and probably Ohioans want someone who's going to be an empathetic leader. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Anthony Minghella purposefully made a more dimensional and empathetic character [played by Matt Damon]. — Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026

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