A sympathetic audience can be defined as a group of people who are receptive and understanding towards the speaker, their message, or cause. Some synonyms for a sympathetic audience might include supportive, empathetic, understanding, encouraging, compassionate, attentive, appreciative, or responsive. These words all suggest a willingness to listen and engage with the speaker, as well as an openness to the ideas being presented. A sympathetic audience can be crucial to the success of a speech or presentation, as it can provide the speaker with the confidence and encouragement needed to effectively communicate their message.