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

• blissful
• chuffed [British]
• delighted
• glad
• gratified
• happy
• joyful
• joyous
• pleased
• satisfied
• tickled

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

Secretary Hegseth is thankful for his continued leadership and work to advance the America First agenda. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

Jason’s care, empathy and work ethic resonated with thankful William. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Although the process of conceiving was challenging, Banks is thankful that IVF was an option and in this instance, a portal to motherhood. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 18 Apr. 2025

Moore knew enough in 2023 to be thankful for the sound condition of our state’s finances and knew enough in 2025 to propose significant delays to the implementation timeline of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2025

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