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
Democratic lawmakers aren’t particularly sympathetic to the industry, pointing to reports of soaring profits for oil companies as the war chokes consumers around the world.
—
Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
Brockman forced to explain journal entries Hoping to paint Brockman in a more sympathetic light, OpenAI’s lawyer, Eddy, spent considerable time going over each entry that Molo flagged to allow Brockman to explain his intentions behind his posts.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 5 May 2026
Common wisdom among attorneys is that state courts are more friendly to plaintiffs than federal courts are, since state trial juries are drawn from local pools, which are potentially more sympathetic to their own communities.
—Steph Tai, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
Toward the end a solo cello appears, which Goldie has said—many times—represents the voice of his mother, in a final act of sympathetic connection.
—Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
Brockman forced to explain journal entries Hoping to paint Brockman in a more sympathetic light, OpenAI’s lawyer, Eddy, spent considerable time going over each entry that Molo flagged to allow Brockman to explain his intentions behind his posts.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 5 May 2026
Common wisdom among attorneys is that state courts are more friendly to plaintiffs than federal courts are, since state trial juries are drawn from local pools, which are potentially more sympathetic to their own communities.
—Steph Tai, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
Toward the end a solo cello appears, which Goldie has said—many times—represents the voice of his mother, in a final act of sympathetic connection.
—Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
-
Addressing it requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
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Contemporary, timeless, and deeply intimate in its candor, Scenes From The Divide honored all viewpoints about Mamdani’s potential impact on the Jewish community by anchoring the title in a thoughtful, compassionate lead seeking understanding from voters.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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That’s particularly noteworthy with sloths, with faces configured in a permanently benevolent expression.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
-
First bred in Canada and known as a fine water rescue dog, these gentle giants are supremely kind to everyone and display a benevolent, protective nature.—
Aditya Simha,
The Conversation,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Dewey’s Dan is a kind and creative painter, and the only slightly chaotic thing Kate has ever loved.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
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Wrigley has been especially kind to the Cubs, who now have an 8-1 record with the wind blowing out, and 3-0 with a crosswind.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Pisces Moon supports thoughtful expression and easier communication.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
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Izaiah is sweet, funny, and incredibly thoughtful, often bringing a positive and lighthearted energy to the people around him.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
Both Gibson and Butler held beagles from Ridglan Farms that had been transported from the facility to the humane society on Tuesday.—
Scott Bauer,
Fortune,
13 May 2026
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The humane society says that until the criminal case against Ronald Kidder and Rahman Decarlos Terry proceeds, the 23 dogs in the shelter's care will be unable to be put up for adoption.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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