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
• 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

Other changes are even less thoughtful. —Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

Told from the point of view of Ruffalo's lawman and the everyman (Tom Pelphry) who is surprisingly leading the robberies, the drama is seriously dark but also thoughtful and addictive. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Practical, thoughtful, and genuinely makes my life easier. —Daphne Wilder, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025

Each of the 25 days reveals an item drawn from the brand’s most beloved collections, offering a thoughtful mix of classics and exclusives. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 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