empathetic

adjective

em·​pa·​thet·​ic ˌem-pə-ˈthe-tik How to pronounce empathetic (audio)
Synonyms of empathetic
: involving, characterized by, or based on empathy
empathetically
ˌem-pə-ˈthe-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce empathetic (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of empathetic

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Examples of empathetic in a Sentence

an empathetic social worker who soon realized that the single mother was at her breaking point
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Friends are usually more flexible and empathetic with one another, like if someone takes a wrong turn. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Using data, intelligent analytics and empathetic evaluations, anticipatory insights can make or break your performance metrics. — Marcy Klipfel, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Twenty-nine years have passed since then, yet the memory of the princess—an empathetic woman who defied convention, vulnerable yet rebellious, and imbued with a profound humanity—remains vivid and very much alive in the eyes of the entire world. — Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026 Colman Domingo Domingo praised Parton’s ability to be talented and empathetic. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathetic

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empathetic was in 1912

Rhymes for empathetic

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Browse Nearby Words

empath
empathetic
empathic
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Cite this Entry

“Empathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathetic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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