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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sympathetic
The sympathetic Moon embraces restrictive Saturn in your 7th House of Connections, asking for agreements across romantic, platonic, professional, or family bonds.
—
Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 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
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
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 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
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
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
-
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
-
Much of this slick drama is a meditation on the differences between how baby boomers — in this case, an old hippy turned seemingly compassionate sage — talk and operate, and how that clashes with the language and moral urgency felt by a very different millennial generation.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But statement that seems so benevolent can be anything but.—
Kathy and Ross Petrass,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
-
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
-
Focus on business and personal relationships with those who are kind, helpful and have your back.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The service The service is kind as only Romans can be, formal but always friendly.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Most importantly, playing prominent roles alongside a respected veteran and thoughtful mentor in Zibanejad really seemed to propel the young wingers, who finished the season by combining for 43 points (24 for Lafrenière and 19 for Perreault) in the final 23 games.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
August 23 – September 22 One thoughtful move today creates real momentum.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Patients continue receiving care, and workers continue doing their jobs under more humane conditions.—
Christopher Marte,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The humane society and foster team will continue to care for Elmer, including giving him regular oil baths to help remove some of the remaining glue.—
Yi-Jin Yu,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
