thoughtful

adjective

thought·​ful ˈthȯt-fəl How to pronounce thoughtful (audio)
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 adverb
thoughtfulness noun

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
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.
Employers consistently emphasize the value of hiring individuals with a broad knowledge base who can collaborate to solve problems, engage in thoughtful debate, communicate clearly, and think critically—skills that liberal-arts programs rigorously cultivate. Sarah Hernholm, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 And having more thoughtful conversations doesn’t preclude the need sometimes to confront those who are needlessly cruel or organizations that benefit from such exploitation. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2025 Love languages can be a useful framework to remain thoughtful about a partner's needs and communication styles. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 Eclectic vintage furnishings and bespoke millwork underscore the thoughtful design process that aligns with the personal touches of its owners. Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for thoughtful 

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of thoughtful was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near thoughtful

Cite this Entry

“Thoughtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoughtful. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

thoughtful

adjective
thought·​ful ˈthȯt-fəl How to pronounce thoughtful (audio)
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 adverb
thoughtfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on thoughtful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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