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
Both people should be sympathetic and empathetic and aspire towards being legitimately loving instead of this contest of who’s better than the other.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Some of Karp’s counterparts at other firms are sympathetic to this position.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2025
The comment evoked a ripple of sympathetic laughter.
—Nancy Kruh, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
People will be mutually sympathetic and willing to listen to each other’s concerns and problems.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Some of Karp’s counterparts at other firms are sympathetic to this position.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2025
The comment evoked a ripple of sympathetic laughter.
—Nancy Kruh, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
People will be mutually sympathetic and willing to listen to each other’s concerns and problems.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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What’s more, a child facing the same post-pandemic anxieties in such a district might encounter punitive measures rather than compassionate intervention.—
Elizabeth Austin,
Time,
26 Mar. 2025
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Nancy Stanwood, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, said the organization is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to all patients.—
Katy Golvala,
Hartford Courant,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Snow White was born into a kingdom on the edge of a forest, where happiness flourishes under the benevolent King (Hadley Fraser) and Queen (Lorena Andrea).—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
19 Mar. 2025
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When thinking about quintessential Southern attributes, qualities like hospitable, benevolent, and polite come to mind.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This is how we’re introduced to the story of Snow White’s parents, two kind, generous rulers who long for a child and are thrilled by their daughter’s arrival.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
TIME,
21 Mar. 2025
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Aquarius: Doc Doc is the kind and sympathetic leader of the dwarves, who encourages everyone to let Snow White stay with them.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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No new technology can replace what a thoughtful culture audit can reveal.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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These quotes are all from the thoughtful, candid, curious mommy makeover patients that Allure recently spoke to for our story 17 People Get Real About their Mommy Makeovers.—
Meirav Devash,
Allure,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Did those societies became more humane or more resilient?—
Jaron Lanier,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
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The humane society is in the mountain town of Boone, a roughly 85-mile drive west from Winston-Salem.—
Simone Jasper,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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