attentive
adjective
at·ten·tive
ə-ˈten-tiv 
2
: heedful of the comfort of others : solicitous
an attentive waitress
3
: offering attentions in or as if in the role of a suitor
an attentive boyfriend
attentively
adverb
attentiveness
noun
Synonyms of attentive
Examples of attentive in a Sentence
The hospital is proud of its attentive staff.
Our waiter was very attentive.
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite the midweek drizzle, the dining room was busy, with attentive service and fast-moving food.
—
Angela Lian, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Sessions are guided by attentive listening, gentle techniques, and respect for each individual’s pace and choices.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
In an era when attentive service often feels like a relic — perhaps another quiet casualty of the pandemic — this kind of efficiency now registers as something close to remarkable.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 6 Jan. 2026
What may be most impressive about Gauthier’s early Ducks career is that he’s shown to be an attentive and capable player in his own end.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attentive
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.
Angela Lian, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Sessions are guided by attentive listening, gentle techniques, and respect for each individual’s pace and choices.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
In an era when attentive service often feels like a relic — perhaps another quiet casualty of the pandemic — this kind of efficiency now registers as something close to remarkable.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 6 Jan. 2026
What may be most impressive about Gauthier’s early Ducks career is that he’s shown to be an attentive and capable player in his own end.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attentive
Cite this Entry
“Attentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attentive. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
attentive
adjective
at·ten·tive
ə-ˈtent-iv
1
: paying attention
2
: thoughtful for the welfare or comfort of others : courteous
attentively
adverb
attentiveness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
