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

Incorporate thoughtful storage solutions that conceal clutter, utilize wall and vertical space, and allow for quick cleanup. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 8 Aug. 2026

Public safety deserves thoughtful leadership and not rhetoric designed to score political points. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026

After all, national parks are some of the most beautiful places in the country, if not the world—and your packing list should be every bit as thoughtful as the adventure itself. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026

The deliberative, thoughtful process of remaking the nation’s capital in the early 20th century bears little resemblance to Trump’s insistence on remaking the capital in his image. — Jennifer Tucker, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 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