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

Each seat is 19 inches wide with 39 inches of pitch with thoughtful features like a hard shell for easy reclining without disturbing surrounding fliers and privacy dividers attached to the headrest. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

Every thoughtful handwritten note, every relationship nurtured, every lesson shared are investments whose dividends often arrive years later. — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Through movement, restoration, thoughtful hospitality and a profound connection to the California coast, each stay becomes an opportunity to return home feeling renewed. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026

In the last year or so, the Detroit newcomer shifted his sound from thoughtful but expected Midwest punchline rap to a Kevin Gates-ish combination of street and pain. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 31 July 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