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
But there are still a number of similarities between the two successful drama series that are laced with dark comedy and populated with sympathetic criminals.
—
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026
The Supreme Court's conservative majority on Monday appeared sympathetic to arguments by the Republican National Committee seeking to limit the counting of mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, even if they were postmarked on or before.
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
In the early hours, the sympathetic Moon enters practical Taurus, and our pace slows to highlight comfort, honesty, and reliability.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
But for every moment of genuine accountability journalism that reminds the public what the press is capable of, there seems to follow another viral post, another sympathetic profile of a terrorist’s grieving relatives, another story that mistakes activism for reporting.
—Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026
The Supreme Court's conservative majority on Monday appeared sympathetic to arguments by the Republican National Committee seeking to limit the counting of mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, even if they were postmarked on or before.
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
In the early hours, the sympathetic Moon enters practical Taurus, and our pace slows to highlight comfort, honesty, and reliability.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
But for every moment of genuine accountability journalism that reminds the public what the press is capable of, there seems to follow another viral post, another sympathetic profile of a terrorist’s grieving relatives, another story that mistakes activism for reporting.
—Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
-
Audrey Jones described her brother — who left behind two children — as loving, kind and compassionate.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Our compassionate president posted a heartfelt statement for former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who came from a wealthy family, and upon graduating from Princeton University, volunteered for service (no bone spurs here).—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
McTeigue created subtle variations on the mask so that V could look slightly more sinister or benevolent depending on the lighting.—
Matthew Huff,
IndieWire,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The primary seller gets to look benevolent, having kept prices low for fans.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Something as small as a kind word to a stranger can be as impactful as any headlining performance.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
-
These are big walleyes, the kind sportsmen pose with for pictures in the local newspapers.—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
October 23 – November 21 This morning favors calm, thoughtful exchanges.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
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As with the others, Bjorn and wife and creative director Julija’s thoughtful touches are everywhere, from the singular pieces of vintage decor that fill the rooms to the economical (and ecological) construction of the cabins.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Architecture like this, which reveals its structure while producing its effects, can make a museum feel slightly more humane.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
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His coverage is funded by The Just Trust, a nonprofit that advocates for a humane justice system and reforms to problems in the system.—
Patrick Wilson,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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