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

• attentive
• considerate
• kind
• solicitous

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

Project confidence and act with thoughtful reflection. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

While these fears may be well-founded, our response should not be to reject crypto altogether, but rather embrace thoughtful policies to mitigate risks, protect consumers, and promote transparency. —Jeremy Cooney, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025

Springsteen has never shied away from holding up a thoughtful mirror reflecting the state of our nation. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025

The clean ingredients and thoughtful composition show that Dossier put real care into creating something special. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 30 May 2025

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