sympathetic

adjective

sym·pa·thet·ic | \ ˌsim-pə-ˈthe-tik

Definition of sympathetic

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : existing or operating through an affinity, interdependence, or mutual association

2a : appropriate to one's mood, inclinations, or disposition

b : marked by kindly or pleased appreciation the biographer's approach was sympathetic

3 : given to, marked by, or arising from sympathy, compassion, friendliness, and sensitivity to others' emotions a sympathetic gesture

4 : favorably inclined : approving not sympathetic to the idea

5a : showing empathy

b : arousing sympathy or compassion a sympathetic role in the play

6a : of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system

b : mediated by or acting on the sympathetic nerves

7 : relating to musical tones produced by sympathetic vibration or to strings so tuned as to sound by sympathetic vibration

sympathetic

noun

Definition of sympathetic (Entry 2 of 2)

: a sympathetic structure especially : sympathetic nervous system

Other Words from sympathetic Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about sympathetic

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Examples of sympathetic in a Sentence

Adjective

He received much help from sympathetic friends. I didn't find the hero in the movie very sympathetic.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Under the late King Abdullah, Turkey and Saudi Arabia had clashed repeatedly over Ankara’s sympathetic views of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist movement Saudi Arabia considers a terrorist organization. — Summer Said, WSJ, "Trump to Navigate Tense Turkish-Saudi Rivalry at G-20," 29 Nov. 2018 Viewers are less likely to help others, feel sympathetic toward victims, and express empathy. — Scott Glassman, Philly.com, "Is it time to look away? Health effects of watching violence in the media," 14 Mar. 2018 Author Michael Wolff’s pitch to the White House to win cooperation for his book included a working title that signaled a sympathetic view, a counter-narrative to a slew of negative news stories early in Donald Trump’s presidency. — Fortune, "How Michael Wolff Got Access to Trump's White House for 'Fire and Fury' Tell-All Book," 17 Jan. 2018 Author Michael Wolff’s pitch to the White House to win cooperation for his book included a working title that signaled a sympathetic view, a counter-narrative to a slew of negative news stories early in Donald Trump’s presidency. — Jennifer Jacobs / Bloomberg, Time, "How Fire and Fury Author Michael Wolff Got Into Donald Trump's White House," 17 Jan. 2018 The global impact Snowden critics, and even some more sympathetic with his cause, continue to question whether those changes justify the scope of Snowden's document dump. — Sean Gallagher, Ars Technica, "The Snowden Legacy, part one: What’s changed, really?," 21 Nov. 2018 The imagery is raw and not always flattering, but Heath is always sympathetic and respectful. — Jeremy Hallock, star-telegram, "Black and white photography master Dave Heath brings 'Solitude' to the Amon Carter," 20 June 2018 Her family and friends have been sympathetic but are not sure what to do. — Alzheimer's San Diego, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Could it be Alzheimer's? 10 warning signs," 30 May 2018 Some members of the Board of Adjustment appeared sympathetic to the non-legally established churches, however, and the board voted to overturn the hearing officer's decision in favor of the churches and other community opposition. — Jessica Boehm, azcentral, "Tactics scrutinized in Phoenix medical-marijuana dispensary cases," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sympathetic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.