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
Its depictions of dancing devils and witches’ sabbaths are supposed to scare viewers straight, but writer-director Benjamin Christensen is also sympathetic towards the plight of medieval women persecuted for witchcraft.
—
Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Just as soon as cynical Cyrus vacates the passenger seat, Lee finds someone more sympathetic to ride shotgun.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
Other Democrats are sympathetic to federal workers’ plight but say a larger group of people will be affected by the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits, the crux of Democrats’ fight against the GOP CR.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2025
While sympathetic to conservative institutional media, federal law agencies did not often make moves based on posts from the nascent right wing creator class.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Just as soon as cynical Cyrus vacates the passenger seat, Lee finds someone more sympathetic to ride shotgun.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
Other Democrats are sympathetic to federal workers’ plight but say a larger group of people will be affected by the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits, the crux of Democrats’ fight against the GOP CR.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2025
While sympathetic to conservative institutional media, federal law agencies did not often make moves based on posts from the nascent right wing creator class.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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The program aims to teach kids to be compassionate, accountable, respectful, ethical and service-minded in order to foster a positive and inclusive school community.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
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Abigail Marsh, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Georgetown University, says that despite appearances, people are becoming more compassionate.—
Ronnie Li,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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And while All’s Fair could have won us over to its cause had the cases been more benevolent or moral, the women’s work so far similarly lacks depth.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
4 Nov. 2025
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America appears to be, at the moment, in a sort of benevolent hostage situation.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In the past, things had been worked out regarding Billy Gunn appearing at the WWE Hall Of Fame, Bryan Danielson giving kind words in a John Cena tribute show, and Chris Jericho appearing on Steve Austin’s podcast on the WWE Network.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
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Spirited, political, and deeply kind individuals, the Christos were passionately devoted to their artistic vision.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The guest experience is elevated by thoughtful details such as sunset happy hours and chocolate carts.—
Taylor McIntyre,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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But some more thoughtful objections — see journalist Van Lathan’s October appearance on The Ringer podcast The Big Picture — take issue with the ways in which Perfidia is sexualized by two white men, DiCaprio and Sean Penn’s characters, the latter a neo-Nazi.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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By bringing theater to people who often can’t access it, Robbins’ life mission is to show how theater can be a tool to help people become more humane.—
Senior Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Dutch is a typical Schwarzenegger hero — all rippling muscle and bravery — but with a humane integrity that compels him to keep his team safe.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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