1
as in focused
having the mind fixed on something
Susan became particularly attentive when the sportscaster turned to women's tennis, her favorite sport
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in thoughtful
given to or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and happiness of others
an attentive neighbor who helps out whenever and wherever she spots a need
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
if only for your own safety, you need to stay attentive when you are hunting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in watchfulness
the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger
your attentiveness prevented a potentially bad accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of attentive
Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
Because this clever, funny play is both an attentive ode to Greenspan’s extraordinary artistry as a playwright-performer and an unsparing meditation on the psychic and financial precariousness of playwriting as a creative life.
—Laura Collins-Hughes, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
In the absence of attentive governance, lowering the development barriers to creating agents is sure to lead to infrastructure sprawl and possible security gaps.
—Jason Andersen, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Pity the documentary filmmaker: A job already replete with near impossibilities—impossible to secure funding, impossible to get distribution, impossible to find an attentive audience—has just become even more difficult.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for attentive
Adjective
More importantly, my midwife assembled a warm and attentive team around me and created a safe atmosphere in the hospital before, during, and after the delivery.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
Because this clever, funny play is both an attentive ode to Greenspan’s extraordinary artistry as a playwright-performer and an unsparing meditation on the psychic and financial precariousness of playwriting as a creative life.
—Laura Collins-Hughes, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
In the absence of attentive governance, lowering the development barriers to creating agents is sure to lead to infrastructure sprawl and possible security gaps.
—Jason Andersen, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Pity the documentary filmmaker: A job already replete with near impossibilities—impossible to secure funding, impossible to get distribution, impossible to find an attentive audience—has just become even more difficult.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for attentive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attentive
Adjective
-
Virtual work can be thoughtful, efficient, and sustainable, but only if the foundation is clear.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
The post sparked a thoughtful discussion in the comments, with one user suggesting that neither party was necessarily in the wrong.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Amber’s legacy is an alert system that has saved over 1,000 children.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Apr. 2025
-
The victim, a man in his 20s, was alert and conscious and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, Boisvert said.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Harrell describes her daughter as a kind, sweet child who always sought to do what was right.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
-
What Lee liked best about playing Go-tak, a seemingly tough guy with a kind heart, was bonding with his fellow actors.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The world must remain vigilant to ensure this powerful new tool isn't silenced.—
Ingmar Rentzhog,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Tonight: Be diplomatic. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) ★★★★ Parents should be vigilant today, because this is an accident-prone day for your kids.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The absorbed or scattered light creates a unique pattern called the spectrum, which is effectively the substance’s fingerprint.—
Ambuj Tewari,
The Conversation,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Although the mercury hovered at only 5°, all of us became so absorbed in the rabbit chase that no one noticed numb toes and cold ears.—
Erwin A. Bauer,
Outdoor Life,
25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Molly McGovern was a sweet, loving, smart, funny and caring person.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
So many patients, consumers, health care professionals, associations, government officials and other caring people have taken time out of their day to reach out.—
Arick Wierson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The light from screens can trick your brain into staying awake.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Bellflower adds a second adult in school counselor Bailey Gallagher (Molly Griggs), a character the audience can enjoy seeing slowly awake to the villain hiding in their midst.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
That’s how Tommy bids farewell to his brother before (presumably) removing the broken watch from Joel's wrist to leave for Ellie.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
The commemorative coins, which include gold and silver busts of Trump, emerged during the 2024 presidential campaign as one of several merchandising ventures Trump profited from -- a list that also included watches, sneakers, bibles and guitars.—
Lucien Bruggeman,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Attentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attentive. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share