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.
Staff are tuned-in and attentive, knowledgeable and efficient, without dispensing any of the sirs and ma’ams and stilted affections of fancier places. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 Shooting in a widescreen format that gives ironic grandeur to a squat, featureless town in the Texas Panhandle, DP Peter Flinckenberg is attentive to the piercing, sometimes radiant winter light of the region in the harshest months of the year. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026 Manipulative people can be extraordinarily generous, attentive, and supportive when there is something to gain, which is precisely why judging character from early impressions is so difficult. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The flight attendant was attentive without being intrusive, handling meal service and smaller requests in an efficient but friendly manner that made the overnight crossing feel personalized rather than just riding in a comfortable space. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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