ATTENTIVE Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

attentive

adjective

ə-ˈten-tiv

Definition of attentive

as in focused

having the mind fixed on something Susan became particularly attentive when the sportscaster turned to women's tennis, her favorite sport

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thoughtful

given to or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and happiness of others an attentive neighbor who helps out whenever and wherever she spots a need

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in alert

paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity if only for your own safety, you need to stay attentive when you are hunting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of attentive The staff are attentive and put in a lot of effort, ready to share tips and favourite restaurants, and really go the extra mile to make your stay pleasant and memorable. — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026 Our nervous systems remain attentive to signals of acceptance, rejection and threat. — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 Changes in the adolescent brain make teenagers increasingly attentive to their social worlds, says Wayne State University psychology professor Hannah Schacter. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Unlike the company's existing Super Cruise system, which allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel but requires them to remain attentive, the new technology is designed to let drivers take their eyes off the road under certain conditions. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attentive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for attentive

Adjective

August 23 – September 22 Your curiosity is about to become much more focused.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
Virgo August 23 – September 22 Your curiosity is about to become much more focused.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of focused

Adjective

Amenities and experiences Dublin’s literary heritage, inspired by the likes of Oscar Wilde, seeps through the walls of The Wilder Townhouse and is reflected in thoughtful details throughout the entire experience.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Eddie Pepperell, among the most thoughtful players, missed the cut last week in South Korea and wound up one spot out of a full European tour card for 2027.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of thoughtful

Adjective

But homeowners with gardens and trees should be alert as warmer temperatures mean many plants could struggle to retain moisture.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 21 Oct. 2026
Kindel — who the Penguins said is conscious, alert and in stable condition — was taken to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation.

— Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of alert

Adjective

Especially now, younger kids are so immersed in social media and people are trying to fabricate themselves or polish and airbrush their lives and appearances.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Because every moment is narrated in Ugandan Sign Language and International Sign, Deaf travelers are more deeply immersed in the experience, and a welcome hush falls over the environment—which is, surprise, appreciated by the wildlife too.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of immersed

Adjective

Shapira paints a picture of a kinder, gentler war, where technology takes soldiers away from the trenches and from the tanks, to a chair behind a screen.

— Margaux MacColl, Vanity Fair, 21 Oct. 2026
Five days after Bela Bajaria was fired as Netflix‘s Chief Content Officer and replaced by Peter Rice, Ted Sarandos had nothing but kind words for his former loyal lieutenant, kinda.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of kind

Adjective

Lacy said people should always be vigilant when walking in a public space, and urged people to report any suspicious activity by calling 911.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Even the ads that are supposedly okay for kids can be overstimulating and aggressive, so try to be vigilant on those, too.

— Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of vigilant

Adjective

Unabsorbed calcium leaves the body through stool, and absorbed calcium that isn't needed may be filtered by the kidneys and leave in urine—often within about a day.

— Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2026
Although the mercury hovered at only 5°, all of us became so absorbed in the rabbit chase that no one noticed numb toes and cold ears.

— Erwin A. Bauer, Outdoor Life, 25 Dec. 2024

Definition of absorbed

Adjective

The brothers are looking for a caring and supportive family that can provide a safe, stable and consistent home.

— The Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Weird things happen in three or four games throughout the regular season all the time, without anyone noticing or caring.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of caring

Browse Nearby Words

attentions

attentive

attentively

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Attentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attentive. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of attentive

adjective

Example Sentences

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