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
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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 show’s namesake character is Cassian Andor, a pilot, played by Diego Luna, who was taken from his home planet as an orphan by sympathetic smugglers.
—
Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 21 May 2025
In this telling, the prostate cancer was all part of the cover-up and the choice to release the information now was timed to boost Biden as a sympathetic figure and deflate chatter about the other cover-ups.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Remember, Hur was the one who said President Biden was a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.
—/ Cbs News, CBS News, 18 May 2025
On social media, where content creators have been dissecting the case, some commenters have been distressingly sympathetic to Diddy’s defense.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 21 May 2025
In this telling, the prostate cancer was all part of the cover-up and the choice to release the information now was timed to boost Biden as a sympathetic figure and deflate chatter about the other cover-ups.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Remember, Hur was the one who said President Biden was a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.
—/ Cbs News, CBS News, 18 May 2025
On social media, where content creators have been dissecting the case, some commenters have been distressingly sympathetic to Diddy’s defense.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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One way to initiate a more intentional approach to developing people-centric leaders is to explore the compassionate leadership toolkit, which includes a free assessment, and consider attending WorkHuman’s next conference for educational and morale purposes.—
Laurel Donnellan,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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This can help the development of more conscious leadership and the formation of compassionate teams.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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New Delhi and Islamabad found a way to de-escalate, stop the fighting and move toward a future that will hopefully be more benevolent than the past.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2025
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Their expensive quest is financially backed by a seemingly benevolent billionaire Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson), who has his own reasons for helping Luke and Charlotte.—
Eric Andersson,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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That relationship is built, visit by visit, kind interaction after warm conversation.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
1 June 2025
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Ultimately, however, the union won its contract. 1995: In the largest takeover of its kind, federal housing officials took control of the Chicago Housing Authority four days after its chairman, Vince Lane, and the CHA board resigned under a cloud of mismanagement.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Springsteen has never shied away from holding up a thoughtful mirror reflecting the state of our nation.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
30 May 2025
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The clean ingredients and thoughtful composition show that Dossier put real care into creating something special.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Animal Legal Defense Fund, an organization that aims to enforce stronger anti-cruelty laws and the humane treatment of animals, has also led calls to end the use of horses in tourism work.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
27 May 2025
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This film is, however, firmly rooted in the here and now of these characters, the present moment of Nadia’s pregnancy and the stresses placed on the couple, which are sensitively explored within a warm and humane framework.—
Catherine Bray,
Variety,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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