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Definitions

sympathetic

[sim-puh-thet-ik] / ˌsɪm pəˈθɛt ɪk /
ADJECTIVE
concerned, feeling
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affectionate bleeding-heart caring compassionate interested loving responsive sensitive supportive thoughtful warm
WEAK
all heart appreciating benign benignant commiserating comprehending condoling considerate having heart in right place kind kindhearted kindly pitying soft softhearted sympathizing tender understanding vicarious warmhearted
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cold cool disliking indifferent insensitive mean uncaring unfeeling unsusceptible
WEAK
callous disagreeable merciless unconcerned unfriendly unsociable unsympathetic
ADJECTIVE
agreeable, friendly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amenable appreciative encouraging open-minded receptive responsive
WEAK
approving companionable compatible congenial congruous consistent consonant cool down favorably disposed having a heart in sympathy with like-minded on same wavelength open pro simpatico tuned-in vicarious well-disposed well-intentioned
Antonyms
WEAK
callous cold disagreeable merciless uncaring unconcerned unfeeling unfriendly unsociable unsympathetic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But a sympathetic female doctor encouraged her to proceed with the pregnancy, and Iryna gave birth to a healthy girl, Katya.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Still, reading his interviews while on the campaign trail struck a painful sympathetic chord in me.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

Ms. Funke often takes a sympathetic view of even the most formidable creatures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Executives hoping for a sympathetic hearing for underwhelming numbers this earnings season are likely to receive short shrift and might have to brace for a stock tumble.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Even though Guiteau didn't pay back the first loan, he often tricked a sympathetic lender into giving him more.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

Vocabulary lists containing sympathetic

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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Be Nice!

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!