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
-
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
-
To be reasonable, in Rawls’s sense, is to accept that one’s deepest convictions may fail to command assent from others who are no less sincere or thoughtful, and then to propose terms of political coöperation that others can appreciate.—
Nikhil Krishnan,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This transit favors awareness and thoughtful pacing.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 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
-
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 20 Apr. 2026.
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