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
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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.
Andriy simply isn’t a good leader — neither empathetic nor precise with his advice for Bobby — but then again, Bobby is also clearly in her feelings. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 July 2026 But Magdalen’s temporary embodiment of her sister’s demure, obedient nature does not temper her impulsive, dramatic tendencies—only the development of an empathetic, analytical intelligence can do that. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 Like many young people with a diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Jacob Schreiber was creative, empathetic and endlessly curious. — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 Instead of generic chatbots, customers could receive empathetic, personalized advice from AI agents that understand their history and remember prior interactions. — Michael Abbott, Forbes.com, 23 July 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 Aug. 2026.

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