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

His three-album run from the last decade – 2014 Forest Hills Drive, 2016’s 4 Your Eyez Only and, to a lesser extent, 2018’s KOD – certified his reputation as a thoughtful and engaging voice in the genre. —Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 9 Feb. 2026

There were many thoughtful tributes to Latino culture and history, surprise performances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, and celebrity appearances by Cardi B, Pedro Pascal, and Jessica Alba. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Feb. 2026

The thoughtful staff have nailed the art of discretion here and genuinely care. —Harriet Compston, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026

Both moisturizing and aromatic, this marks Chanel Beauty’s thoughtful entry into the body mist space. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Feb. 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