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

Minibars feature a custom bourbon blend from local distillery Jacob Rieger & Company, a thoughtful touch that roots the experience in Missouri. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2026

Kayce is an amazing character, but Luke is really thoughtful and smart. —Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026

Like armchair consulting gigs, these jobs often involve reviewing information at home and giving a detailed and thoughtful opinion on specific topics. —Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

There was an undercurrent of confidence across the collections, where designers weren’t chasing spectacle, but instead refining their codes and pushing them forward in thoughtful ways. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 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