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
-
With a team of neonatologists, specialized NICU nurses, and support staff, the NICU offers around-the-clock care, advanced medical technology, and a compassionate environment, giving families peace of mind.—
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center,
Oc Register,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The family of a West Chester University student killed in a weekend crash is remembering him as a compassionate young man who always put others first.—
Madeleine Wright,
CBS News,
15 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
-
February 19 – March 20 Your values want kinder, clearer daily choices.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Keep it short, kind, and easy to act on today.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
There are a number of slaughtering practices that qualify meat as halal, including guidelines that emphasize humane animal treatment.—
Zareen Syed,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
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This is not only the most effective strategy but also the most humane, Carpenter notes.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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