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Definitions

thoughtful

[thawt-fuhl] / ˈθɔt fəl /
ADJECTIVE
caring, mindful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
astute attentive careful cautious considerate courteous deliberate discreet friendly gracious helpful polite prudent tactful
STRONG
heedful
WEAK
anxious aware benign bleeding-heart canny charitable chivalrous circumspect civil concerned cooperative diplomatic gallant indulgent kind kindly neighborly obliging observant observative observing regardful responsive sensitive social solicitous unselfish wary well-bred well-thought-out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
careless discourteous heedless ignorant impolite imprudent inattentive incautious inconsiderate indiscreet mean rash rude thoughtless uncareful uncivil unmannerly unrefined
WEAK
idiotic negligent obtuse remiss stupid uncaring unmindful unthoughtful
ADJECTIVE
contemplative, introspective
Synonyms
STRONGEST
analytical attentive cerebral earnest melancholy pensive rational reasonable reflective serious sober studious wise
WEAK
absorbed brainy calculating cogitative deep deliberative discerning engrossed farsighted grave intellectual intent keen levelheaded logical lost in thought meditative museful musing philosophic pondering preoccupied rapt reasoning reflecting retrospective ruminative subjective thinking wistful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
flippant happy ignorant inattentive irrational stupid trivial unimportant unreasonable unserious unthoughtful
WEAK
careless heedless idiotic inconsiderate negligent obtuse remiss thoughtless uncaring unmindful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Service was thoughtful, even as a solo diner, with spot-on recommendations.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Thank you for your thoughtful letter and for sharing your story.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

“We believe thoughtful, long-term investment supports that mission, and we welcome the opportunity to work with policymakers to strengthen the system for families and educators,” Bork said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

“My wife, Francesca Mari, was the one who said that I should dedicate myself to writing — if I wanted to pursue it,” Mahajan says in a thoughtful, affectionate tone.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

“I was just thinking,” I said in a thoughtful voice.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.