thankful

adjective

thank·​ful ˈthaŋk-fəl 

1

: conscious of benefit received

for what we are about to receive make us truly thankful

2

: expressive of thanks

thankful service

3

: well pleased : glad

was thankful that it didn't rain

thankfulness noun

Synonyms of thankful

• glad
• pleased
• delighted
• happy
• satisfied

Examples of thankful in a Sentence

Everyone was thankful to hear the good news.

we were thankful that someone else was footing the bill for the lavish wedding banquet

Recent Examples on the Web

Matt and Danielle were able to bring their healthy twin boys home, and feel thankful for the quick response from Perinton Ambulance and Highland Hospital. — Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026

The young girl and her father sitting in front of Fabio in section 224 on this day were certainly thankful the trophy made it into the stadium. — Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026

And maybe the secret to a long and happy life is to be thankful. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026

When Kelsey bravely asks if there’s any part of her that’s now thankful for Jo-Ellen given this new development, Rulla maintains that Jo-Ellen went about it the wrong way. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing thankful

• grateful/thankful for small mercies

Kids Definition

thankful

adjective

thank·​ful ˈthaŋk-fəl 

: feeling or showing thanks

thankfully

-fə-lē

adverb

thankfulness noun