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
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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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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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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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
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One thoughtful adjustment keeps things on track.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
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Friends and colleagues close to King said they were saddened by his death, but remembered him as a hard-working and demanding judge who was also thoughtful and fair.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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Sue Hendrickson — who did not have a high school diploma — received her first university credentials in the form of an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the University of Illinois Chicago.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
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Loosely based on the nonfiction book You and I—The Illness Suddenly Gets Worse by Makiko Miyano and Maho Isono, the story follows the French director of a nursing home who attempts to introduce a more humane care technique and meets a terminally ill Japanese playwright.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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