THOUGHTFUL Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

thoughtful

adjective

ˈthȯt-fəl

Definition of thoughtful

as in attentive

given to or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and happiness of others a thoughtful offer to watch the neighbors' children on moving day a thoughtful manager who understands that people's families should be more important than their jobs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in deliberate

decided on as a result of careful thought a thoughtful argument for military action

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reflective

given to or marked by long, quiet thinking was a quiet and thoughtful child who rarely spoke but when he did, he almost always had something worthwhile to say

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 thoughtful Combining advances in modern medicine with thoughtful preparation helps stack the odds in your favor so that, just as every Oregon Trail player hoped, everyone in the party makes it to the end. — Elaine Reno, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026 The result is an intimate retreat where thoughtful design and human connection take precedence over a conventional hotel setting, and where luxury is defined by atmosphere rather than excess. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026 It can be established, at least in the arts, with the right, thoughtful conversation or idea passed around a table in two hours and forty-five minutes on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. — Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026 Everyone benefits from vibrant and thoughtful new buildings that respect the surrounding community. — Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thoughtful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thoughtful

Adjective

Thankfully, complimentary beach loungers, pool chairs, and attentive drink service remain plentiful elsewhere on the property.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
The hotel occupies a pristine stretch of sand with the kind of attentive Four Seasons service that extends all the way to your beach chair—food and drinks included—plus paddleboards, boogie boards, and two oceanfront pools.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of attentive

Adjective

There were two small red stripes on a sail, clearly deliberate but out of place.

— John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Talking at the film’s press conference in Venice earlier, Moretti said his absence from from the festival had not been a deliberate slight but rather down to the timing for the shoots of his films.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of deliberate

Adjective

Be sure to plan your trip around mid-to-late October, when autumnal foliage is at its peak, and hit hiking trails that come alive with color, like the Croda da Lago Circuit and its reflective alpine lake, Lago di Federa.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Its reflective surface changes with the light, the weather, and the movement of the people who encounter it.

— Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of reflective

Adjective

Swapping dirty fingernails for loose shotgun shells, Abrams carves Bryan from the same gnarled sense of desperation — but gives the character’s spirit a kinder shade overall.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026
Behind a thick column, lurking in the shadows, a kind looking man with an Irish brogue quietly summoned me.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of kind

Adjective

And viewers’ mileage will certainly vary with this peculiar, fun little concoction on seclusion, connection and the need to belong that can’t hide its undercurrent of melancholy about the sorry state of a divided world.

— Tomris Laffly, Variety, 7 Sep. 2026
Roderick In Poe’s famous short story The Fall of the House of Usher, Roderick Usher is a melancholy recluse who believes his haunted mansion is the cause of his deteriorating health.

— Anna Earl, Parents, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of melancholy

Adjective

In layman’s terms, critical thinking is the ability to think independently by questioning claims, weighing evidence, and making reasoned judgments.

— Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026