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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sympathetic
Charlie, although more sympathetic, is left reeling, and Pattinson, always at his best when his matinée-idol looks surrender to warpings of fear and anxiety, conducts a virtuosic symphony of shifting moods.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
Lawrence’s vision of an arc of American history suffused with violence and injustice is obviously not one to which the current US administration would be at all sympathetic.
—Michael Lobel, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
While the remaining lawsuits have yet to fully play out, the DOJ likely faces less-than-sympathetic judges in these cases.
—John J. Martin, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026
China is Iran's biggest customer for oil - and it's seen as sympathetic to the country.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
Lawrence’s vision of an arc of American history suffused with violence and injustice is obviously not one to which the current US administration would be at all sympathetic.
—Michael Lobel, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
While the remaining lawsuits have yet to fully play out, the DOJ likely faces less-than-sympathetic judges in these cases.
—John J. Martin, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026
China is Iran's biggest customer for oil - and it's seen as sympathetic to the country.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
-
Investing in specialized, age-appropriate behavioral health programming is both compassionate and practical.—
Crystal Hudson,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
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With each conversation, Christina stayed compassionate, caring, and curious about his HS—the three C's Chaz wanted in a partner.—
Health Editorial Team,
Health,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The common bonds that held the fabric of society together have been torn to shreds and sewn together into robes that adorn the would-be benevolent dictators of culture who explain everything, apologize for nothing and lend their credibility to anyone willing to pay their fee.—
Bruce Stockler,
Fortune,
5 Apr. 2026
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McTeigue created subtle variations on the mask so that V could look slightly more sinister or benevolent depending on the lighting.—
Matthew Huff,
IndieWire,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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At a balloon release in November 2024 honoring his memory, family members described Williams, who ran his own carpet-cleaning business, as a hardworking, kind, gentle man devoted to his family and faith.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
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Raised by a relatively kind commander (Nate Corddry) and a flatly evil step-mother (Amy Seimetz), Agnes grew up as privileged as a prisoner can be.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Wisdom, compassion, and thoughtful policy are necessary over the question of transgenderism more generally.—
Lisa Frizell,
Denver Post,
6 Apr. 2026
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In addition to having more time to craft thoughtful responses, this also gives you more time to, well, live your life!—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Architecture like this, which reveals its structure while producing its effects, can make a museum feel slightly more humane.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
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His coverage is funded by The Just Trust, a nonprofit that advocates for a humane justice system and reforms to problems in the system.—
Patrick Wilson,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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