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
So, there was something about that reluctant hero — a doubting, uncertain hero — that felt very interesting and sympathetic to me.
—
Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2024
Many states that rely on advisory committee recommendations for vaccination schedules and mandates could also choose to ignore them if people sympathetic to Kennedy’s views join the panels.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Conservative commentator Benny Johnson, whom the Department of Justice recently alleged was unwittingly paid by Russian state media to produce Kremlin sympathetic content, reposted an image of Biden biting the baby in the turkey costume.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Parker Gregory, a dark-haired former model to his left, puts a sympathetic hand on Bloomquist’s back.
—Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sympathetic 
Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2024
Many states that rely on advisory committee recommendations for vaccination schedules and mandates could also choose to ignore them if people sympathetic to Kennedy’s views join the panels.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Conservative commentator Benny Johnson, whom the Department of Justice recently alleged was unwittingly paid by Russian state media to produce Kremlin sympathetic content, reposted an image of Biden biting the baby in the turkey costume.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Parker Gregory, a dark-haired former model to his left, puts a sympathetic hand on Bloomquist’s back.
—Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
-
Sully’s request for compassionate release is rejected, much to Ripley’s dismay.Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 20 Nov. 2024
-
He was subsequently released in April 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic permitted compassionate release for some inmates with health conditions, but was arrested on October 29 for failing drug tests and traveling without his probation officer’s okay.Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Many people believe that slavery in Latin America was a benevolent institution.Ana Lucia Araujo / Made by History, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024
-
In recent years, the naive belief held by most Americans, that the Fed is an apolitical body of benevolent technocrats who would never use their immense, ring-of-Sauron-like power for anything but the good of humanity, has evaporated.Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Be kind to yourself: The election is stressing us out.Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
-
So try to do something kind for yourself in the process of grieving.Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Photo: Lauren Trujillo The thoughtful fashion didn’t end at the red carpet, either.Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
-
Perfect pairings: As an Eau de Toilette, Cherry Blossom benefits significantly from thoughtful layering to enhance its delicate nature and extend its presence throughout the day.Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Adam Smith’s original vision of capitalism was humane, but it has since been contorted by visible hands to become inhumane.Roy Swan, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
-
Never has a war been fought in such a humane way. ...Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 7 Oct. 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 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share