thoughtful

adjective

thought·​ful ˈthȯt-fəl How to pronounce thoughtful (audio)
Synonyms of thoughtful
1
a
: absorbed in thought : meditative
b
: characterized by careful reasoned thinking
a thoughtful essay
2
a
: having thoughts : heedful
became thoughtful about religion
b
: 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 How to pronounce thoughtful (audio)
adverb
thoughtfulness noun

Synonyms of thoughtful

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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.
The Wren in Fells Point is a beacon of thoughtful comfort food. — Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 2 July 2026 Share a clear stance in a meeting, because your words may invite thoughtful dialogue and widen your map. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026 Those are important questions, and thoughtful lawyers will continue to disagree about the proper answers. — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Guests can also enjoy a full beach setup, poolside treats like popsicles and fruit skewers, and thoughtful extras like a welcome glass of sparkling wine. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

thought experiment
thoughtful
thoughtless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

thoughtful

adjective
thought·​ful ˈthȯt-fəl How to pronounce thoughtful (audio)
1
a
: lost in thought
b
: marked by careful thinking
a thoughtful essay
2
: considerate of the needs of others
a kind and thoughtful friend
thoughtfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce thoughtful (audio)
adverb
thoughtfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on thoughtful

Nglish: Translation of thoughtful for Spanish Speakers

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