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
Alan Rickman, with his deep, mellow, softly puffing voice, is immensely sympathetic as that most patient of suitors, Colonel Brandon.
—
Tom Gliatto, People.com, 19 July 2025
The gimmick looks broad on paper, but the movie is both fun and stealthily forthright, a mischievously sympathetic film about a modern mom trying to hold it all together by herself.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 July 2025
The video went viral, amassing nearly 500,000 views and a glut of sympathetic responses.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
Following that and other bruising political fights, Council President Mitra Jalali — who was mostly seen as sympathetic to the mayor — resigned in March.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Tom Gliatto, People.com, 19 July 2025
The gimmick looks broad on paper, but the movie is both fun and stealthily forthright, a mischievously sympathetic film about a modern mom trying to hold it all together by herself.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 July 2025
The video went viral, amassing nearly 500,000 views and a glut of sympathetic responses.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
Following that and other bruising political fights, Council President Mitra Jalali — who was mostly seen as sympathetic to the mayor — resigned in March.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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Though a small sample, their reactions were notably compassionate towards transgender people and supportive of the doctors who provided their care.—
Time,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
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Being more compassionate and respectful to the needs of your squad and family, instead of just asserting your wants, adds a new dimension to your connection with them.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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CEOs take on all sorts of personas, from the benevolent leader to the cutthroat business executive.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
10 Aug. 2025
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As a benevolent barbarian warrior in the mythical land of Hyrkania, Sonja is enslaved and imprisoned by the ecocidal emperor known as Draygan (Robert Sheehan).—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Budget-conscious indie in a tough marketplace Hernandez, Burns and Henderson launched Counterpart amid an industry contraction that has not been kind to independent companies.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
11 Aug. 2025
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According to the study's findings, kids who were regularly described by parents as helpful and kind at ages five, seven and 11 were more likely to report healthier dietary habits at 14 and 17.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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These aren’t edge cases but increasingly common scenarios requiring thoughtful, human-centric design.—
Anuradha Gupta,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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An artistic 14-year-old boy known for his thoughtful nature drowned just weeks before starting high school, Michigan officials say.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Curious, humane, and full of wit—perfect for anyone thinking seriously not just about how to lead, but about how to be.—
Mark Nevins,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
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Abubaker thinks the regulations around halal food is part of what’s driving this interest nationwide, with requirements including making sure the animal is healthy at the time of slaughter and ensuring the animal’s death is quick and humane.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
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