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
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Recent Examples of sympathetic
The signing of the bill signals Newsom is sympathetic to the concerns of Jewish Californians who support Israel, as the war in Gaza enters its third year.
—
Kate Wolffe
october 7, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Weiss was sympathetic, but did not quite commit to fellowship.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
After her own brushes with cancellation, Swift seems sympathetic to others with similar experiences.
—Surina Venkat, The Hill, 3 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, in Chiwetel Ejiofor's Operative — a ruthless, monologue-loving Alliance agent hellbent on capturing River — the movie has a chilling, yet strangely sympathetic, antagonist.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Kate Wolffe
october 7, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Weiss was sympathetic, but did not quite commit to fellowship.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
After her own brushes with cancellation, Swift seems sympathetic to others with similar experiences.
—Surina Venkat, The Hill, 3 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, in Chiwetel Ejiofor's Operative — a ruthless, monologue-loving Alliance agent hellbent on capturing River — the movie has a chilling, yet strangely sympathetic, antagonist.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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We are honored to spotlight a community that not only faced an unprecedented disaster but emerged with a stronger, more compassionate spirit.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
7 Oct. 2025
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TikTokers were quick to praise Coco for his empathy and Cruz for raising such a compassionate pup.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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As Sergio uncovers that the village’s devotion to Matteo is far from benevolent, his attempt to rescue the boy known as the Angel of Remis ignites the community’s vengeful nature.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
30 Sep. 2025
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Jesus and Belania shriek and thank Christian, who stands there looking like a benevolent fashion angel bestowing them with good luck.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Despite the genre's themes, horror fans describe their community as kind, open-minded, and welcoming.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
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Hearing so many kind words this rapidly leaves Kalkbrenner grateful.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Score our favorite new finds, including a brilliantly fun garlic peeler, a thoughtful batter dispenser for pancakes, baked goods, and more, and a genius two-in-one flipper spatula.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Oct. 2025
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In the real world, this could look like strengthening a partnership through thoughtful gestures, receiving a windfall of support from family or finding joy in everyday rituals that suddenly feel sacred.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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By pure coincidence, Ryder was present at the humane society when Sabally, one of his favorite players, was adopting her dog earlier this season.—
Ben Pickman,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
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And that education helped me, over time, to understand my mother, the world that had produced her, to have compassion for her, in the most humane ways.—
Kevin Powell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
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