attentive

adjective

at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈten-tiv How to pronounce attentive (audio)
Synonyms of attentive
1
: mindful, observant
attentive to what he is doing
2
: heedful of the comfort of others : solicitous
an attentive waitress
3
: offering attentions in or as if in the role of a suitor
an attentive boyfriend
attentively adverb
attentiveness noun

Synonyms of attentive

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Examples of attentive in a Sentence

The hospital is proud of its attentive staff. Our waiter was very attentive.
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.
Polite and attentive, the expert service across the staff—from the front desk team to the groundskeepers—prioritizes the personalized guest experience. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026 Lê is interested in all the activity that fills a day, in its movement and sound, and attentive to the busy ecosystem that surrounds and sustains his principal characters. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 True influence stems from being fully attentive to others, a rare and powerful quality in today's distracted world. — Alfonso Cahero, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 According to Jane, Burke was generally a caring and attentive friend, but also stern. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attentive

Word History

Etymology

see attend

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of attentive was in the 15th century

Rhymes for attentive

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Browse Nearby Words

attention span
attentive
attentiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Attentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attentive. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

attentive

adjective
at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈtent-iv How to pronounce attentive (audio)
1
: paying attention
2
: thoughtful for the welfare or comfort of others : courteous
attentively adverb
attentiveness noun

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Nglish: Translation of attentive for Spanish Speakers

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