thoughtful

adjective

thought·ful ˈthȯt-fəl

Synonyms of thoughtful

: absorbed in thought : meditative

: characterized by careful reasoned thinking

a thoughtful essay

: having thoughts : heedful

became thoughtful about religion

: given to or chosen or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and wants of others

a kind and thoughtful friend

thoughtfully

ˈthȯt-fə-lē

adverb

thoughtfulness noun

Examples of thoughtful in a Sentence

She looked at me with a thoughtful expression. He looked thoughtful for a moment. Her husband is always thoughtful. That's very thoughtful of you.

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.

This thoughtful evolution ensures this year’s NBC ceremony and future broadcasts remain deeply engaging and tailored to the television audience. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2026 Among them, the best Korean facial mists stand out for their thoughtful formulas that do more than simply hydrate. — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026 From the colorful wallpaper in the bathrooms to the record player with a thoughtful selection of vinyl and the gallery wall in the lobby lounge area, the space felt, well, cool. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 But then be able to approach this in a more reasonable and thoughtful and more educationally sound way. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thoughtful

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of thoughtful was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Kids Definition

thoughtful

adjective

thought·ful ˈthȯt-fəl

: lost in thought

: marked by careful thinking

a thoughtful essay

: considerate of the needs of others

a kind and thoughtful friend

thoughtfully

-fə-lē

adverb

thoughtfulness noun

thoughtful

adjective

Synonyms of thoughtful

Examples of thoughtful in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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