forgetful

adjective

fər-ˈget-fəl How to pronounce forgetful (audio)
Definition of forgetfulnext
as in preoccupied
inclined to forget what one has learned or to do what one should we become more forgetful as we get older

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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 forgetful What also follows is a useless debate over the cultural impact of the movie amid concerns that the film is a little loose with the truth or outright forgetful about key moments of Jackson’s complex and complicated life. — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, Wilson’s wife shared a meme appearing to compare MacInnes to Dory, the forgetful fish in the Pixar movies, and this was submitted to the court. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026 Here are six plants that experts say can handle the demands of even the most forgetful plant owner. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2026 Marty is self-absorbed, forgetful, doesn’t much like people and spends hours online looking for advice about how to be a handyman. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forgetful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forgetful
  1. preoccupied
  2. confused
  3. absentminded
  4. oblivious
  5. bewildered
Adjective
  • They are increasingly preoccupied with internal issues and have cut weak states loose.
    — Eghosa E. Osaghae, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The long-term vision Many American leaders appear preoccupied with putting boots back on the moon, but space policy experts question whether short-term victories are as important as long-term commitment.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of preoccupied
Adjective
  • The agent sitting next to him on the plane also seemed confused.
    — Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The Citi Field crowd seemed both confused and enthused when the opening notes of Jackson’s 1982 hit began to play.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of confused
Adjective
  • Howard McNear provided an indelible bit of local flavor as the genial, if absent-minded, town barber, Floyd.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026
  • There’s something winningly absent-minded about Gosling’s performance here.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of absentminded
Adjective
  • Lawmakers simply closed their ears to the critics and boldly pushed ahead, either oblivious or indifferent to the consequences to Maryland taxpayers.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But her run would not have been possible without the crew of everyday Americans who were completely oblivious to her techniques, lost the game badly, and then got mad at her for it.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of oblivious
Adjective
  • On Douban, a popular Chinese movie-review platform, viewers piled on with mocking and bewildered comments.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • That's when Penix, who was standing nearby, pointed at him and made a bewildered face.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of bewildered

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forgetful
forgetfulness
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Cite this Entry

“Forgetful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forgetful. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of forgetful for Spanish Speakers

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