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
While censorship restrictions were relatively light in Iraq and Afghanistan, keeping the press close to the troops helped ensure a sympathetic viewpoint.
—
Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
The movie calls him the Lost Man, a bid for everyman philosophical relevance, and Ninomiya is indeed a sympathetic avatar.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Though sympathetic to concerns, councilmembers ultimately denied both appeals.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026
My kid could not be like this, sympathetic at first sight.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
The movie calls him the Lost Man, a bid for everyman philosophical relevance, and Ninomiya is indeed a sympathetic avatar.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Though sympathetic to concerns, councilmembers ultimately denied both appeals.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026
My kid could not be like this, sympathetic at first sight.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
-
Review subscriptions and tidy receipts, then update prices or boundaries, because clear values help your compassionate nature avoid overgiving.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
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But the sentiment at Augusta this week is generally compassionate.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Walt had long described himself as a benevolent father to his workers, and the strike seemed an act of personal betrayal and disloyalty verging on patricide.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Apr. 2026
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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
Adjective
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Season 3 is not totally devoid of supporters and kind superlatives, particularly for the cinematography and Zendaya’s reliably impressive chops.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
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Some of the kinder ones would give a Christmas tip if the apprentices did a good job cleaning their boots but others, basking in the new money of the Premier League, preferred to peacock.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Wiener is a thoughtful lawmaker who championed groundbreaking housing-deregulation laws, but in this case that San Francisco progressive won out.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
12 Apr. 2026
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The best Mother’s Day gift ideas aren’t always the most obvious—they’re the ones that feel personal, thoughtful, and just a little indulgent.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Historically, many agricultural improvements, from better sanitation systems to more humane livestock housing, emerge because regulatory pressure creates innovation incentives.—
John Cleveland,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
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Funds raised at this event provides medical care to sick or injured animals, low cost vaccinations and spay/neuter services, behavior training, humane education programs and so much more!—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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