Synonyms for
Sympathetic
Definition
feeling or showing concern or compassion for others
Synonyms & similar words
likable
harmonic
openhearted
benevolent
appealing
largehearted
unsympathetic
goodhearted
likeable
kindly
charitable
compassionate
caring
kind
understanding
empathetic
sensitive
tender
warm
soothing
supportive
encouraging
affectionate
loving
considerate
thoughtful
gentle
soft-hearted
pitying
merciful
forgiving
Synonyms by register
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- sympathetic ear
- sympathetic response
- sympathetic to
- sympathetic understanding
- sympathetic vibration
- sympathetic nervous system
- sympathetic look
Word family
Usage note
Often used to describe someone who shows concern or pity for another's misfortune. Can also refer to agreement or shared feelings.
Compare "sympathetic" with another word →
Example sentences
- The nurse was very sympathetic to the sick child.
- He was sympathetic to his friend's problems.
- She gave a sympathetic smile to show her support.
- The teacher was very sympathetic to the student who was struggling.
- The doctor was very sympathetic to the patient's pain.
Quotes
'To be kind, compassionate, and sympathetic to our fellow human beings is not only a noble virtue, but the foundation of a civilized society.' - Dalai Lama
'I'm very sympathetic to people who are struggling, but I think it breeds welfare.' - Rand Paul
'I'm just sympathetic to the human condition.' - Robert Downey Jr.
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