sym·pa·thet·ic
ˌsim-pə-ˈthe-tik 
1
: existing or operating through an affinity, interdependence, or mutual association
2
a
: appropriate to one's mood, inclinations, or disposition
b
: marked by kindly or pleased appreciation
the biographer's approach was sympathetic
3
: given to, marked by, or arising from sympathy, compassion, friendliness, and sensitivity to others' emotions
a sympathetic gesture
4
: favorably inclined : approving
not sympathetic to the idea
5
a
: showing empathy
b
: arousing sympathy or compassion
a sympathetic role in the play
6
a
: of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system
b
: mediated by or acting on the sympathetic nerves
7
: relating to musical tones produced by sympathetic vibration or to strings so tuned as to sound by sympathetic vibration
: a sympathetic structure
especially
: sympathetic nervous system
Synonyms
Examples of sympathetic in a Sentence
Adjective
He received much help from sympathetic friends.
I didn't find the hero in the movie very sympathetic.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
And if the plan is struck down, again, only a sympathetic secretary would choose to appeal.
—Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 19 Nov. 2024
Fox News, 3 Mar. 2023
Prelogar said states can file suits in numerous jurisdictions, searching for a judge sympathetic to their cause.
—Dallas News, 29 Nov. 2022
See all Example Sentences for sympathetic 
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Adjective
Some people going through a tough time—a career setback, relationship hurdle, or life transition—just need a sympathetic ear.
—Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
And if the plan is struck down, again, only a sympathetic secretary would choose to appeal.
—Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 19 Nov. 2024
Noun
His faith was increasingly at odds with national sentiment after King Charles I, an Anglican sympathetic to Roman Catholicism, gained the throne in 1625.
—Fox News, 3 Mar. 2023
Prelogar said states can file suits in numerous jurisdictions, searching for a judge sympathetic to their cause.
—Dallas News, 29 Nov. 2022
See all Example Sentences for sympathetic
Articles Related to sympathetic
Dictionary Entries Near sympathetic
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sympathetic. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
sympathetic
1 of 2 adjective
sym·pa·thet·ic
ˌsim-pə-ˈthet-ik
1
: of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system
2
: mediated by or acting on the sympathetic nerves
sympathetic
2 of 2 noun
: a sympathetic structure
especially
: sympathetic nervous system
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