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

Emily Ruff, owner and principal designer of Cohesively Curated Interiors, echoes this statement, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful organisation. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025

But Bob’s behavior, One Battle After Another argues, is also entirely justified because of the terrifying brutality of the world—a reality that crashes into Bob’s hazy reverie to create an electrifying, thoughtful blockbuster. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2025

Younger brothers are molded to be thoughtful. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 18 Sep. 2025

Charlotte, in particular, exemplifies this with the store’s design and product mix being both a destination for self-purchase and a place to find thoughtful presents. —Brin Snelling, Forbes.com, 18 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