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
In a world with nationwide injunctions, plaintiffs can shop around for the one judge in America who is most likely to be sympathetic to their cause, and potentially secure a court order that no other judge would hand down.
—
Ian Millhiser, Vox, 9 May 2025
David Lehman, a lobbyist for the Idaho Association of Community Providers, which represents health organizations that have opposed FGA bills, said Idaho illustrates how FGA works with sympathetic lawmakers in conservative states to gain more ground.
—Katheryn Houghton, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Ellen won’t even talk to June, but Moira is more sympathetic.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2025
The Republican claim that Gray or the other recent Republican target, Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, are in any way sympathetic to child predators is completely false.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Ian Millhiser, Vox, 9 May 2025
David Lehman, a lobbyist for the Idaho Association of Community Providers, which represents health organizations that have opposed FGA bills, said Idaho illustrates how FGA works with sympathetic lawmakers in conservative states to gain more ground.
—Katheryn Houghton, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Ellen won’t even talk to June, but Moira is more sympathetic.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2025
The Republican claim that Gray or the other recent Republican target, Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, are in any way sympathetic to child predators is completely false.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 6 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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In the workplace, how kind (or not critical) one is to themself is likely not the first place managers will jump to when thinking about how to improve safety processes at work.—
Ellen Choi,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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Before his latest movie premiered, festival chief Thierry Frémaux shared some kind words with the crowd about Washington.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Tesfaye’s bold and electric presence onstage and onscreen is an intriguing counterpoint to the thoughtful and soft-spoken man who sits for a chat about his movie.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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Practice, Practice, Practice One of the ways that the greats prepare themselves for the biggest moments is through thoughtful preparation.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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The humane society is in the Hickory area, a roughly 55-mile drive northwest from Charlotte.—
Simone Jasper,
Charlotte Observer,
20 May 2025
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The new laws will address these shortcomings, ensuring that those in dire medical conditions are given a humane chance at release.—
Natasha Dartigue,
Baltimore Sun,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
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