thankful

adjective

thank·​ful ˈthaŋk-fəl How to pronounce thankful (audio)
Synonyms of thankful
1
: conscious of benefit received
for what we are about to receive make us truly thankful
2
: expressive of thanks
thankful service
3
: well pleased : glad
was thankful that it didn't rain
thankfulness noun

Synonyms of thankful

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Examples of thankful in a Sentence

Everyone was thankful to hear the good news. we were thankful that someone else was footing the bill for the lavish wedding banquet
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.
And maybe the secret to a long and happy life is to be thankful. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026 The Fierros were thankful and also struggling. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 2 June 2026 However, Kies is thankful that she was injured instead of her daughter. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 Meanwhile, Gounder is thankful media outlets are keeping alive Wahl’s spirit through tributes both written and in video. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for thankful

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thankful was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing thankful

Browse Nearby Words

thanker
thankful
thankfully
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Cite this Entry

“Thankful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thankful. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thankful

adjective
thank·​ful ˈthaŋk-fəl How to pronounce thankful (audio)
: feeling or showing thanks
thankfully
-fə-lē
adverb
thankfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on thankful

Nglish: Translation of thankful for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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