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

Naturally, the Cubs couldn’t leave well enough alone and sent out workers to powerwash The Wall a few days later, erasing all the thoughtful messages. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Described as gentle and thoughtful, Odeh sought to find common ground with those who supposedly were his enemy and, as a result, his death was as mourned by the local Jewish community as by his loved ones. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Shane voted for Victor, but Shane also seems like a kind, thoughtful man who might change his mind (damn him). — Alice Burton, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

When thoughtful risk-taking and lessons learned are recognized, failing fast and learning faster become the operating rhythm. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 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