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
Truth strengthens as the Sun merges with sympathetic Venus in your 3rd House of Correspondence, gifting your speech with empathy and precision.
—
Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Baldwin’s portrayal of Hella is sympathetic and important to the story.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Jack is such a talented and sympathetic presence.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Dec. 2025
Black and Rudd were sympathetic to Barrymore’s experience.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Baldwin’s portrayal of Hella is sympathetic and important to the story.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Jack is such a talented and sympathetic presence.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Dec. 2025
Black and Rudd were sympathetic to Barrymore’s experience.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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Stable housing, economic supports, safe communities, inclusive policies, supportive workplaces, and compassionate classrooms are not abstract ideals.—
Scott LoMurray,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
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Vulnerable Chiron is rolling forward in your 10th House of Authority, prompting you to reshape your path by transforming past criticism into practical, compassionate leadership.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Sandy Rabins, who led AnimAID efforts to help those in the animation industry affected by the 2025 LA wildfires, will receive the June Foray Award for benevolent impact to the animation community.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
5 Jan. 2026
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Not like a drunk way but like a benevolent alien who couldn’t believe that this planet had donuts.—
Kailyn Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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One reviewer noted ]that the supportive style was especially kind to their wide feet, high arches, and bunions.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
12 Jan. 2026
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Maybe some of the psychedelics and kind bud was replaced by Advil, Pepto and Ben Gay.—
Kraig Fox,
Rolling Stone,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Some parents carefully vetted and chose thoughtful names to add to the birth certificate, while others undoubtedly may have selected them on a whim or as a result of losing a bet.—
Cooper Worth,
Des Moines Register,
9 Jan. 2026
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Soft, breathable materials and thoughtful construction have made the silhouette way more wearable, offering a happy medium between your comfiest sneakers and your dressiest pumps.—
Nina Derwin,
Glamour,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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According to Reuters, Russian authorities demanded the humane treatment and repatriation of the crew members.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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Driven by principle, their disruptive actions bent institutions toward more humane and ethical practices – even as the menace adapted to survive.—
Valerie L. Myers,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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