There are many different ways to express sympathy for someone. Some synonyms for "be sympathetic" include "showing compassion," "demonstrating understanding," "expressing concern," "offering support," "having empathy," "being kindhearted," "displaying sensitivity," "demonstrating thoughtfulness," "being considerate," and "being supportive." No matter which synonym you choose, the important thing is to convey a genuine sense of caring and understanding towards someone else's situation. Being sympathetic can help people feel heard and validated, and can go a long way towards building strong relationships and fostering a sense of community and connection.