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
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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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
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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
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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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Focus on business and personal relationships with those who are kind, helpful and have your back.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
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The service The service is kind as only Romans can be, formal but always friendly.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
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August 23 – September 22 One thoughtful move today creates real momentum.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Gerry Byrne, vice chairman of Variety parent company PMC and a longtime media business executive, will be recognized by his alma mater, New York’s Fordham University, with an honorary doctorate of humane letters at the school’s commencement ceremony on May 16.—
William Earl,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
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In an interview with The Times, Kiley said his vote was about common sense and being humane.—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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