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.
Inside is super-clean and nice, and the servers were very kind and attentive. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026 But their loving, attentive mother soon began displaying signs of schizophrenia. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 3 July 2026 In that vacuum, an always-available chatbot that sounds calm, attentive, and nonjudgmental can feel less like a novelty than a lifeline. — Ryan McBain, STAT, 2 July 2026 Stepping aboard a cruise ship often feels like entering a floating city, complete with endless buffets, poolside cocktails, and attentive staff ready to cater to your every possible need. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 July 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 10 Jul. 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

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Nglish: Translation of attentive for Spanish Speakers

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