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 of thoughtful

• 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

Or take a box of pastries with you—the sort of house gift that looks considerably more thoughtful than the effort required to procure it. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Vitello answered all my questions and spoke in a soft and thoughtful voice. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

The thoughtful update sees modern elements enhancing rather than detracting from the original details. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2026

Hours of thoughtful interviews with my family, who supported this project so generously. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026

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