attentive

adjective

at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈten-tiv How to pronounce attentive (audio)
Synonyms of attentive
1
: mindful, observant
attentive to what he is doing
2
: heedful of the comfort of others : solicitous
an attentive waitress
3
: offering attentions in or as if in the role of a suitor
an attentive boyfriend
attentively adverb
attentiveness noun

Synonyms of attentive

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Examples of attentive in a Sentence

The hospital is proud of its attentive staff. Our waiter was very attentive.
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.
The brief 1978 documentary Borges para millones begins with the process itself of shooting, attentive to its own creation. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 The service Front desk staff, bartenders and wait staff are attentive and affable across the board. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026 The researchers also reviewed recordings of 123 outpatient visits and concluded that physicians should be encouraged to shake hands while remaining attentive to nonverbal cues indicating whether a patient is comfortable with it. — Zain Khawaja, STAT, 24 Aug. 2026 The 24-year-old has been efficient in the final third, contributing goals and assists, while being composed and attentive with and without the ball in deeper areas. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attentive

Word History

Etymology

see attend

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of attentive was in the 15th century

Rhymes for attentive

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Browse Nearby Words

attention span
attentive
attentiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Attentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attentive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

attentive

adjective
at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈtent-iv How to pronounce attentive (audio)
1
: paying attention
2
: thoughtful for the welfare or comfort of others : courteous
attentively adverb
attentiveness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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