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 Jim Casey of official legend was a wise and thoughtful leader who rarely, if ever, made a mistake. — Marc Levinson, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026 The tale is energized by the thoughtful performances of Hanns Zischler, as Mann, and Sandra Hüller, as the author’s daughter Erika, who accompanies him while reviving conflicts from her own past. — Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026 Founded by Kate Nixon in 2015, the brand has become known for its romantic sleepwear, feminine lace lingerie and thoughtful white bridal intimates collections. — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 There were all considered thoughtful reasons why everything in the film is in the film. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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