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
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sympathetic
After five episodes, Dune: Prophecy hasn’t set up any particularly sympathetic characters or established a line between good and evil, even a fuzzy one.
—
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2024
Gabbard — who served in the House for eight years as a Democrat — has faced criticism for remarks she’s made about the Russia-Ukraine war that were sympathetic to Moscow and echoed by Russian state news, which has praised her nomination.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024
There are good, sympathetic performers from the supporting cast, among them Saskia Reeves (Slow Horses) as Ronan's mother.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
In a wooded area outside the prison’s main gates, about 100 intellectual celebrities, sympathetic journalists, and general well-wishers had gathered in solidarity.
—Longreads, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sympathetic 
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2024
Gabbard — who served in the House for eight years as a Democrat — has faced criticism for remarks she’s made about the Russia-Ukraine war that were sympathetic to Moscow and echoed by Russian state news, which has praised her nomination.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024
There are good, sympathetic performers from the supporting cast, among them Saskia Reeves (Slow Horses) as Ronan's mother.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
In a wooded area outside the prison’s main gates, about 100 intellectual celebrities, sympathetic journalists, and general well-wishers had gathered in solidarity.
—Longreads, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
-
Antwon was known for his sense of humor and kind heart, always lifting others up, while Mariana was an incredible soul—compassionate, driven, and full of dreams for her future.Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
-
Agreeableness - some importance Typically for successful startups, someone among the co-founders is compassionate, cooperative, and considerate toward others.Melinda Elmborg, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Indeed, megalomaniac philanthropy is benevolent narcissism at its best.Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
-
Relatedly, the authors’ assertion that France, Germany, and the United Kingdom will consent to a united foreign policy direction defies logic: great-power peace in Europe is due to an overwhelming Pax Americana, not because its countries have suddenly become benevolent.Sumantra Maitra, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Zak Williams is remembering his father Robin Williams' kind and caring spirit.Erin Clack, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
-
Being kind, caring, loyal and helpful also ranked among the top five most important ways to be remembered in the survey.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Who wouldn’t be crazy in love after receiving gifts that balanced the beautifully thoughtful with the extremely expensive?Maura Johnston, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
-
By moving beyond consensus, leaders can inspire more thoughtful, informed decisions that drive better outcomes. 2.Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Danville Boyle County Humane Society Holiday Party, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. Join the local humane society for an evening partying with the pooches.Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024
-
In this context, Biden's pardon of his son can be viewed as a similarly humane and pragmatic decision.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
Articles Related to sympathetic
Thesaurus Entries Near sympathetic
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share