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
After eight months imprisoned in shackles aboard six different ships, Platt managed to connect with a sympathetic attorney who asserted his right to habeas corpus and forced his release for trial.
—
Time, 9 July 2025
Dunlap said by moving forward despite concerns about inadequate charging infrastructure, cost and the impacts on trucking, California regulators sent their critics straight into the arms of a more sympathetic federal government.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 8 July 2025
His administration also shut down newspapers critical of the Union war effort and detained editors who were seen as sympathetic to the Confederacy.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
But even with these musicians and Boyd’s sympathetic production, the sessions were fraught.
—arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Time, 9 July 2025
Dunlap said by moving forward despite concerns about inadequate charging infrastructure, cost and the impacts on trucking, California regulators sent their critics straight into the arms of a more sympathetic federal government.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 8 July 2025
His administration also shut down newspapers critical of the Union war effort and detained editors who were seen as sympathetic to the Confederacy.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
But even with these musicians and Boyd’s sympathetic production, the sessions were fraught.
—arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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Companies like Google and Salesforce offer extensive parental leave programs, recognizing that supporting employees during one of life’s most significant milestones is not only compassionate but smart business.—
Will Fan,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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That means unlearning the language that perpetuates harm and stereotypes, and being more compassionate and humane across the board.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Good starters are made up of the unique mix of benevolent dictator (someone has got to keep things moving), a maestro (there are a million different things at play; the starter gets them all to hopefully harmonize) and friend.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
10 July 2025
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The act was sealed in a pronouncement by Princess Isabel, who became a President Lincoln-like figure in Brazil, known to many as the benevolent white liberator of the enslaved.—
Time,
Time,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
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At the end of every school year, Rob and Nora Tonn show up at Hinsdale Central High School and give away scholarships to graduating student athletes who are kind.—
Heidi Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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While plaintiff opposition reflects legitimate concerns, these can be addressed with thoughtful defense strategies.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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With thoughtful policy and community input, towns can balance the need for homes with the imperative to protect the natural spaces that define their landscape and legacy.—
John Emmanuel,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The officer moved the dog to the animal control truck with the air conditioning on, and gave the pup cold water to drink, the humane society says.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
20 July 2025
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The humane society provides the kittens for the inmates who care for the young animals by feeding them and socializing with them.—
Frank Fernandez,
USA Today,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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