thoughtful

adjective

thought·​ful ˈthȯt-fəl 

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 

adverb

thoughtfulness noun

Synonyms

• attentive
• kind
• caring
• respectful
• considerate

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

Other personal wedding details included Prada making a custom dress for Borrayo with her late brother's initials inside her corset next to her heart — a thoughtful gesture that made her cry. —Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025

Your approach to development has to be continuous and thoughtful, Edmond says. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025

But not everyone is on board with the pace of change, even as leaders pledge thoughtful development. —Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 23 Oct. 2025

Little fixes and thoughtful touches go a long way in turning your space into a place someone wants to return to, and maybe stay. —Essence, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

thoughtful

adjective

thought·​ful ˈthȯt-fəl 

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 

adverb

thoughtfulness noun