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
Relevance
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
Tusk government efforts to reverse those changes have repeatedly been blocked by two subsequent Law and Justice-sympathetic Polish presidents.
—
ABC News, 18 May 2026
Or is Williamson, facing sentencing, just trying to paint herself in a sympathetic light?
—Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Last year, Ellison appointed new leadership at CBS News that has revamped programming in ways that some insiders view as more sympathetic to Trump and his movement.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Our wives, normally sympathetic about our hunting trips, were anything but enthusiastic this time.
—Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
ABC News, 18 May 2026
Or is Williamson, facing sentencing, just trying to paint herself in a sympathetic light?
—Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Last year, Ellison appointed new leadership at CBS News that has revamped programming in ways that some insiders view as more sympathetic to Trump and his movement.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Our wives, normally sympathetic about our hunting trips, were anything but enthusiastic this time.
—Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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Similarly, while conversational agents can reflect compassionate language, genuine compassion comes from a place of concern.—
Steve D. Klein,
STAT,
14 May 2026
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Advice on relationships, family, work and everyday life with practical, compassionate guidance and a touch of humor.—
R Eric Thomas,
Baltimore Sun,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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The overflow doctor had benevolent eyes and doughy cheeks, like fresh loaves of bread.—
Nami Mun,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2026
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That’s particularly noteworthy with sloths, with faces configured in a permanently benevolent expression.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
Adjective
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Pause, cut the message down to what is clear and kind, then respond from the present instead of the undertow.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
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And some were not kind to him on social media following the terrible first round.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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There’s also a spacious indoor area filled with educational toys and games, and the friendly staff facilitate thoughtful activities like Nautical Knot Tying, Anguillan Boat Racing, nature walks, steel drum lessons, and sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
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Instead of approaching pre-season cleaning as a frantic clear-out, experts suggest embracing thoughtful edits, a natural flow, and season-less updates that make a home feel lighter, more timeless and deeply personal.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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Last month, the House of Representatives agreed to do their bidding by tucking a provision in the Farm Bill that would abrogate state humane farming laws that ban gestation, veal, and battery crates.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
18 May 2026
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On its website, PETA recommends using the humane bug catcher, or using a cup and sheet of paper when trying to remove a large bug from a home, rather than killing it.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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