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
The scammer may sound friendly or sympathetic.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
For years, millennials were the housing market’s most sympathetic losers—priced out, rate-locked, and perpetually waiting for their moment.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
An unusual and surprising revelation shifts the villainous character in a more sympathetic direction.
—Amy Reyes, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
In 2011, the authority fired more than 1,600 journalists and media workers at the public broadcaster MTVA, replacing them with people sympathetic to Fidesz.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
For years, millennials were the housing market’s most sympathetic losers—priced out, rate-locked, and perpetually waiting for their moment.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
An unusual and surprising revelation shifts the villainous character in a more sympathetic direction.
—Amy Reyes, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
In 2011, the authority fired more than 1,600 journalists and media workers at the public broadcaster MTVA, replacing them with people sympathetic to Fidesz.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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Her personality was so engaging, made everyone feel seen, heard, cared for, compassionate, fair-minded.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
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When delivered as intended, hospice remains one of the most compassionate and effective models of care in our healthcare system.—
Tom Koutsoumpas,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But statement that seems so benevolent can be anything but.—
Kathy and Ross Petrass,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
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With the eventual blessing of his benevolent landlords, Grattan has completely transformed the rental unit— widening doorways, upgrading electrical systems, and reimagining every wall and ceiling.—
Sam Cochran,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The only thing keeping them from the bottom is the Boston Red Sox, who still play at a stadium not known to be kind to pitchers, Fenway Park.—
Mac Engel
April 30,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Apr. 2026
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The story behind the brand is the kind foodies love.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
One thoughtful adjustment keeps things on track.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
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Friends and colleagues close to King said they were saddened by his death, but remembered him as a hard-working and demanding judge who was also thoughtful and fair.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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Sue Hendrickson — who did not have a high school diploma — received her first university credentials in the form of an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the University of Illinois Chicago.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
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Loosely based on the nonfiction book You and I—The Illness Suddenly Gets Worse by Makiko Miyano and Maho Isono, the story follows the French director of a nursing home who attempts to introduce a more humane care technique and meets a terminally ill Japanese playwright.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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