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
But the Democratic leader said Trump seemed more sympathetic to the suffering of ordinary Americans who will see their premiums rise and may lose access to health care.
—
Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 29 Sep. 2025
The discovery created emotional trauma and led the group to seek the help of a sympathetic state senator.
—Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
The sympathetic system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, while the parasympathetic system activates the body’s rest-and-digest mode.
—Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2025
In that movie Beatty cast himself as a politically naïve newsman who became sympathetic to the Bolshevik (later Communist) cause.
—Peter Bart, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 29 Sep. 2025
The discovery created emotional trauma and led the group to seek the help of a sympathetic state senator.
—Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
The sympathetic system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, while the parasympathetic system activates the body’s rest-and-digest mode.
—Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2025
In that movie Beatty cast himself as a politically naïve newsman who became sympathetic to the Bolshevik (later Communist) cause.
—Peter Bart, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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We are honored to spotlight a community that not only faced an unprecedented disaster but emerged with a stronger, more compassionate spirit.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
7 Oct. 2025
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TikTokers were quick to praise Coco for his empathy and Cruz for raising such a compassionate pup.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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As Sergio uncovers that the village’s devotion to Matteo is far from benevolent, his attempt to rescue the boy known as the Angel of Remis ignites the community’s vengeful nature.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
30 Sep. 2025
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Jesus and Belania shriek and thank Christian, who stands there looking like a benevolent fashion angel bestowing them with good luck.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Despite the genre's themes, horror fans describe their community as kind, open-minded, and welcoming.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
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Hearing so many kind words this rapidly leaves Kalkbrenner grateful.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Score our favorite new finds, including a brilliantly fun garlic peeler, a thoughtful batter dispenser for pancakes, baked goods, and more, and a genius two-in-one flipper spatula.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Oct. 2025
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In the real world, this could look like strengthening a partnership through thoughtful gestures, receiving a windfall of support from family or finding joy in everyday rituals that suddenly feel sacred.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Residents in the town of San Rafael have reported a series of attacks from a vicious brown squirrel that sent at least two people to the emergency room, according to the local humane society.—
Mason Leath,
ABC News,
23 Sep. 2025
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His general advice to people attempting to craft humane, precise, and literate prose has scarcely aged, and his own bracing style still informs and delights.—
Ben Yagoda,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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