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

Guests are mostly left to their own devices, but with the perks of thoughtful touches like s’mores kits to use around the firepit on the outdoor patio. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Teams were working hard, leaders were making thoughtful decisions and every department had legitimate priorities. — Brian Tuite, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Andy Miller, senior vice president of AARP Innovation Labs’ AgeTech Collaborative, says thoughtful design and usability are key to developing AI technology for older adults. — Elizabeth Green, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026

My priority is protecting Palmetto Bay’s quality of life while making thoughtful, fiscally responsible decisions for our future. — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 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