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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sympathetic
The film is so sympathetic toward you.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
Royal commentator Amanda Matta noted that Beatrice and Eugenie are viewed by many in a sympathetic light as they have been impacted solely by association through no fault of their own.
—Ashley Hume , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
The political tide turned with the 1882 municipal election, which brought in leaders sympathetic to modern transit.
—Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
However, others were more sympathetic to Trump’s motivations.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
Royal commentator Amanda Matta noted that Beatrice and Eugenie are viewed by many in a sympathetic light as they have been impacted solely by association through no fault of their own.
—Ashley Hume , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
The political tide turned with the 1882 municipal election, which brought in leaders sympathetic to modern transit.
—Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
However, others were more sympathetic to Trump’s motivations.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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Talk through what’s bothering you to gain a compassionate perspective.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
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Advertisement Del Toro, on the other hand, portrays the Creature as a far more empathetic and compassionate figure.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The short war in Cuba gained the United States the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico; turned the nation into a Pacific power; and created beliefs that America was a stern yet benevolent country tasked by Destiny to enforce peace and bring prosperity to the world.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Oct. 2025
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Since that time, says Paine, even those fortunate enough to live under benevolent rule have seldom been more than one generation away from yet another dreadful monarch.—
Matthew Redmond,
The Conversation,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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After almost getting run over by two cars in heavy rain, a tiny black kitten was saved by a kind stranger who stopped to help him and ended up taking him home.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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During high school, Morgan dates Chris (Scott Eastwood), who is magnetic but inconsiderate, and her sister dates Chris’s best friend, Jonah (Dave Franco), who is shy and kind.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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For a thoughtful gift, package Joanna Gaines’ vanilla sugar with a bag of coffee beans, a cute mug, or a small French press to create a complete coffee kit.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Oct. 2025
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For families who value that approach, Carruth’s books offer a thoughtful and accessible way to encourage shared reading and meaningful connection.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Some trappers focus on humane, live-capture and relocation for nuisance animals, while others are licensed hunters who can legally trap and kill animals during hunting seasons.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
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Farms are required to follow humane treatment and euthanasia standards for the animals, Hobbs said.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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