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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.

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

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

The hurt and humiliation behind Hally’s eyes allow us to adopt Sam’s sympathetic attitude toward the boy, even as Beatty refuses to soften the character’s wrathful entitlement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

They think they’re wised-up, but they lack something essential, a broad and sympathetic imagination.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Nipen said over the coming months, landscaping would begin in Water Orton "looking to blend in within the environment, making sure our designs are sympathetic to the area".

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

He, however, sent out feelers to individuals who he thought might be sympathetic to the Klan viewpoint, people in positions to help the cause: policemen, firemen, low-ranking city officials.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Vocabulary lists containing sympathetic

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Be Nice!

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!