1
as in focused
having the mind fixed on something
Susan became particularly attentive when the sportscaster turned to women's tennis, her favorite sport
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in thoughtful
given to or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and happiness of others
an attentive neighbor who helps out whenever and wherever she spots a need
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in alert
paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity
if only for your own safety, you need to stay attentive when you are hunting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 attentive
Lena sounds warm and attentive.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Like all of the brand's outposts, the Four Seasons Vail prides itself on attentive, over-the-top service.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Snacks are also laid out by the attentive staff, including crispy plantain chips and gooey chocolate brownie bites.
—Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 5 Feb. 2026
On Ratboys’ previous album, The Window, Walla’s attentive and intuitive methods allowed the band to chisel away at its sound to uncover new dimensions.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attentive
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Like all of the brand's outposts, the Four Seasons Vail prides itself on attentive, over-the-top service.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Snacks are also laid out by the attentive staff, including crispy plantain chips and gooey chocolate brownie bites.
—Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 5 Feb. 2026
On Ratboys’ previous album, The Window, Walla’s attentive and intuitive methods allowed the band to chisel away at its sound to uncover new dimensions.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attentive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attentive
Adjective
-
People are increasingly focused on how to live well—not just longer.—
Stephanie Anderson Witmer,
Health,
9 Feb. 2026
-
What could have been chaotic became incredibly focused.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And thanks to a thoughtful renovation, this particular farmhouse is ready to begin its next chapter.—
Miriam Schwartz,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
-
In his view, growth means extending the reach of a thoughtful approach while preserving the personal relationships that define his work.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That is why staying alert after breach reports matters.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Without it, even the tiredest body stays alert.—
Reem Raouda,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The immersed detector will then start collecting data.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Lovers of the natural world will find ample opportunities to become immersed in the landscape.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Thank you, too, to the dozens of people who wrote in with kind corrections.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Vargo also recalled a kind woman who had a gentle spirit.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Modern leaders must be vigilant and attentive to emotional undercurrents.—
Paul Vanderbroeck,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Parents like me remain vigilant.—
Coley Gallagher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The absorbed or scattered light creates a unique pattern called the spectrum, which is effectively the substance’s fingerprint.—
Ambuj Tewari,
The Conversation,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Although the mercury hovered at only 5°, all of us became so absorbed in the rabbit chase that no one noticed numb toes and cold ears.—
Erwin A. Bauer,
Outdoor Life,
25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Cynical and sardonic, Emma is a bright and caring veterinarian who lives at home in a coven with her vampire parents, Charles and Liz.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Even the Tampere Cathedral is a Modernist provocation, with a treatment of the Resurrection by Finnish symbolist Magnus Enckell; a serpent painted into the ceiling; and another painting that depicts death as a kind of caring angel.—
Boris Fishman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Attentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attentive. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
