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 base is narrow, the lifespan is limited, the cause is sympathetic.
—
Daniel Bunn, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
Viewers might therefore complain that the series is too sympathetic to its subjects in exchange for access.
—Beau Dure, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Both are also sympathetic toward Russia and love being praised.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 30 May 2026
More than 1,000 Bahraini citizens have sent messages of support to King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa in recent weeks, praising a clampdown on those accused of being sympathetic to Iran.
—Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Daniel Bunn, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
Viewers might therefore complain that the series is too sympathetic to its subjects in exchange for access.
—Beau Dure, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Both are also sympathetic toward Russia and love being praised.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 30 May 2026
More than 1,000 Bahraini citizens have sent messages of support to King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa in recent weeks, praising a clampdown on those accused of being sympathetic to Iran.
—Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
-
And that’s what drove me creatively — to be authentic, but to be compassionate.—
Antonia Blyth,
Deadline,
10 June 2026
-
The unconscious Moon in your 8th House of Intimacy forms a graceful trine with compassionate Venus in your 12th House of Solitude, inviting release without drama.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
For Egyptians, crops would not grow without Horus and his benevolent eye shining down between the clouds.—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
26 May 2026
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The overflow doctor had benevolent eyes and doughy cheeks, like fresh loaves of bread.—
Nami Mun,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Just don’t expect a lot of English–the hotel team were smiley and kind, but spoke a minimal amount.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
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Choose circles that feel kind, and show up consistently today.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Regardless of one’s position, a decision about downtown’s historic core deserves thoughtful public discussion.—
Sarah M. Boye,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
General Daily Insight for June 14, 2026 Fresh pages wait for thoughtful words tonight.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Adjective
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Indeed, there is likely no method — no matter how humane — that would be immune to constitutional challenge.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
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At the same time, the resolution calls for humane immigration policies that uphold justice and mercy, strongly rejecting nativism, discrimination and racial or ethnic hostility.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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