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

One kind and patient spectator conscripted to play the school counselor had to remove her shoe to improvise a sock puppet, one of the tools of her empathetic practice. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

The venue’s frequent financial troubles — and its continued reliance on empathetic fans for support — have landed its owners in hot water yet again. —Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026

Just an incredible, empathetic, and sophisticated performance. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026

Awe-inspiring Jupiter is moving forward once more in your empathetic sign, lifting your confidence and inviting a fresh approach to self-care and personal goals. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 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