simpatico
Americanadjective
adjective
-
pleasant or congenial
-
of similar mind or temperament; compatible
Etymology
Origin of simpatico
First recorded in 1860–65; from Italian: literally, “sympathetic,” equivalent to simpat(ia) sympathy + -ico -ic; related in meaning to Spanish simpático, French sympathique, and German sympatisch
Explanation
If you have a lot in common with someone, and the two of you get along really well, you can describe the person as simpatico. Use this adjective for wonderfully agreeable people: "I had my favorite bus driver today — she's totally simpatico!" You can also describe a relationship as simpatico when people really get each other. If you and your best friend share many of the same interests and opinions, and communicate so well you practically read each other's minds, your friendship is simpatico. Meaning "sympathetic" in both Spanish and Italian, sympatico is rooted in the Greek sympathes, "fellow feeling."
Vocabulary lists containing simpatico
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He added that the relationships between Cursor and the AI-model companies is simpatico.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025
While she spoke in her resignation letter of “our political project,” she and the prime minister were not always politically simpatico.
From BBC • Nov. 29, 2024
Meaningful, long-lasting connections can take a while to form, but when Nina Conti met her future partner-in-crime, she knew they were simpatico right away.
From New York Times • Feb. 14, 2024
Adverse reactions to Miranda's midlife freak-out may be linked to a sense that we used to feel a little simpatico.
From Salon • Jul. 23, 2023
The “Jesus” he had in mind tended bar in a cafe across the street from the hotel, and was, Perry thought, muy simpatico, definitely someone he could trust to return the boxes on demand.
From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
