Synonyms of forgetful

forgetful

adjective

fər-ˈget-fəl 

as in preoccupied

inclined to forget what one has learned or to do what one should

we become more forgetful as we get older

Synonyms & Similar Words

• preoccupied
• confused
• absentminded
• oblivious
• bewildered
• careless
• dazed
• senile
• unmindful
• neglectful
• absent
• lost
• negligent
• abstracted
• unfocused
• bemused
• thoughtless
• muddled
• scatterbrained
• unaware
• inattentive
• amnesiac
• inconsiderate
• remiss
• unconscious
• heedless
• befuddled
• lax
• unthinking
• slack
• unknowing
• befogged
• unperceptive
• unheeding
• insensible

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• retentive
• watchful
• vigilant
• alert
• attentive
• awake
• sharp
• careful
• keen
• wide-awake
• cautious
• conscientious
• thoughtful
• wary
• circumspect
• open-eyed
• heedful

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of forgetful

Meanwhile, Wilson’s wife shared a meme appearing to compare MacInnes to Dory, the forgetful fish in the Pixar movies, and this was submitted to the court. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026

Here are six plants that experts say can handle the demands of even the most forgetful plant owner. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2026

Marty is self-absorbed, forgetful, doesn’t much like people and spends hours online looking for advice about how to be a handyman. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026

This woman—my cat-loving, sometimes forgetful, always generous Mimi—wasn’t just full of desire but also of the confidence to claim it. — Literary Hub, 10 Mar. 2026