empathic

adjective

em·​path·​ic em-ˈpa-thik How to pronounce empathic (audio)
im-
Synonyms of empathicnext
: involving, characterized by, or based on empathy : empathetic
It is also during early childhood that people begin experiencing empathic guilt—feeling distress when they have been the cause of someone else's discomfort.—Joseph Alper
empathically
em-ˈpa-thi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce empathic (audio)
im-
adverb
listening empathically

Synonyms of empathic

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Examples of empathic in a Sentence

gave an empathic nod as I recounted my repeated efforts to land a decent-paying job in a tough economy
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.
That’s because Mercury will be moving backward through Pisces, the emotional, empathic, and even a bit psychic water sign. — Maressa Brown, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026 Perhaps a health scare, ascent into the middle years, and fatherhood have softened the songwriter, but there is a gentle and empathic feeling at play here that is missing from his early records. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 1 June 2026 Now, imagine this happening in a sentimental, intuitive and empathic sign like Cancer — this transit will feel like an overflow of emotion. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 Born under the artistic water sign Pisces, symbolized by the Fish, your child is whimsical, sensitive, empathic, and imaginative. — Maressa Brown, Parents, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for empathic

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empathic was in 1909

Rhymes for empathic

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Browse Nearby Words

empathetic
empathic
empathise
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Cite this Entry

“Empathic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

empathic

adjective
em·​path·​ic em-ˈpath-ik, im- How to pronounce empathic (audio)
: involving, characterized by, or based on empathy
empathically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce empathic (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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