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.
Hope for a more empathetic, more cooperative, more peaceful, more equal, more united society. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Experimental research suggests that people are more trusting and empathetic toward those who share their own religion and ethnicity. — Steve S. Medeiros, The Conversation, 15 June 2026 Kiawentiio portrays the empathetic, steadfast waterbender Katara, who unfreezes Aang and becomes close friends with him. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026 Erin is deeply empathetic and highly perceptive — two qualities that don’t necessarily serve her well on Beechwood Island. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 June 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 10 Jul. 2026.

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