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
After eight months imprisoned in shackles aboard six different ships, Platt managed to connect with a sympathetic attorney who asserted his right to habeas corpus and forced his release for trial.
—
Time, 9 July 2025
Dunlap said by moving forward despite concerns about inadequate charging infrastructure, cost and the impacts on trucking, California regulators sent their critics straight into the arms of a more sympathetic federal government.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 8 July 2025
His administration also shut down newspapers critical of the Union war effort and detained editors who were seen as sympathetic to the Confederacy.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
But even with these musicians and Boyd’s sympathetic production, the sessions were fraught.
—arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Time, 9 July 2025
Dunlap said by moving forward despite concerns about inadequate charging infrastructure, cost and the impacts on trucking, California regulators sent their critics straight into the arms of a more sympathetic federal government.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 8 July 2025
His administration also shut down newspapers critical of the Union war effort and detained editors who were seen as sympathetic to the Confederacy.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
But even with these musicians and Boyd’s sympathetic production, the sessions were fraught.
—arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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Companies like Google and Salesforce offer extensive parental leave programs, recognizing that supporting employees during one of life’s most significant milestones is not only compassionate but smart business.—
Will Fan,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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That means unlearning the language that perpetuates harm and stereotypes, and being more compassionate and humane across the board.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Seven, a unity in seeking a sound, fair, and benevolent immigration reform is prompted by economic interest as well.—
Timothy Cardinal Dolan,
New York Daily News,
2 July 2025
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In 2005, a benevolent dust devil blew dust off the Spirit rover's solar panels, increasing its power levels.—
Unnati Ashar,
Space.com,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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The City of Kerrville announced in a Facebook post that the Salvation Army is the city’s official partner for volunteer coordination and in kind donations.—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
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But use kind humor, not nasty or deprecating humor.—
Davia Temin,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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While plaintiff opposition reflects legitimate concerns, these can be addressed with thoughtful defense strategies.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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With thoughtful policy and community input, towns can balance the need for homes with the imperative to protect the natural spaces that define their landscape and legacy.—
John Emmanuel,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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According to a criminal complaint cited by WISN, WPR and FOX 11, on June 17, a woman found a golden retriever, possibly dehydrated, and sought help from the local police department and humane society.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
4 July 2025
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But Chulo – whose previous owner Alaniz said had also been detained by ICE – was taken by officers to a humane society.—
Claire Healy,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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