Tenderhearted

Fits when generous warmth should sound informal

Careful Big-hearted stresses generosity and exuberance more than sensitivity.

Fits when easily stirred sympathy suits an affectionate tone

Careful Softhearted can imply weak boundaries or excessive sentiment.

Fits when understanding another person's feelings is enough

Careful Sympathy can remain a feeling without the gentle action suggested by tenderhearted.

Fits when habitual benevolence deserves plain personal praise

Careful Kindhearted is broader and need not imply special sensitivity to distress.

Fits when recognizing suffering and responding helpfully are central

Careful Compassionate is more deliberate and less about an easily moved disposition.

Fits when compassionate treatment is judged against an ethical standard

Careful Humane often describes conduct or systems rather than a person's warm disposition.

Fits when someone with power chooses leniency

Careful Merciful assumes an opportunity to punish or withhold, which ordinary care may not involve.

Fits when emotion attaches strongly to memories or vulnerable subjects

Careful Sentimental can be critical and may suggest feeling unbalanced by judgment.