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
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of attentive
Kirk, who had always lent an attentive ear to what his followers were saying and thinking, was well aware of sentiments like Pearson’s.
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Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Also of interest to parents, the spa has a dedicated kids’ space, the Kids Villa, with attentive caretakers, so parents can relax knowing their little ones are being entertained and well cared for.
—Caitlin Gunther, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025
At the same time, there’s the internal challenge of staying open and attentive to what people are living through, without letting the weight of their circumstances paralyze you or numb you.
—Time Photo Department, Time, 23 Dec. 2025
The boutique stocks everything from Marni to Margiela menswear, the bar and restaurant are curated by James Beard Award semifinalist Erik Bruner-Yang, and the attentive barbering services deliver some of the capital’s sharpest shaves and trims.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 20 Dec. 2025
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Recent Examples of Synonyms for attentive
Adjective
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Our students, families, and taxpayers deserve leaders who put the best interests of the community first, not individuals who appear focused on protecting one another instead of protecting the integrity of our school system.—
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For Longbow, the Speedster offers a glimpse of a lighter, more focused electric future.—
Adjective
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Some parents carefully vetted and chose thoughtful names to add to the birth certificate, while others undoubtedly may have selected them on a whim or as a result of losing a bet.—
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Soft, breathable materials and thoughtful construction have made the silhouette way more wearable, offering a happy medium between your comfiest sneakers and your dressiest pumps.—
Adjective
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Motorists should be alert for sudden changes in visibility due to the areas of dense fog.—
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Liens are recorded in state Uniform Commercial Code databases across the country, with the public filings intended to standardize interstate transactions and alert creditors about business debts and financial obligations.—
Adjective
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The Huntsman centers on an ICU nurse who becomes immersed in a dangerous world after agreeing to help a coma patient accused of murdering six women.—
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To further feel immersed in the calming environment, my family and I took full advantage of the spa on-site—including massage and facial treatments, a Finnish sauna, steam room, and indoor pool.—
Adjective
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One reviewer noted ]that the supportive style was especially kind to their wide feet, high arches, and bunions.—
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Maybe some of the psychedelics and kind bud was replaced by Advil, Pepto and Ben Gay.—
Adjective
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Coastguard officials credited teamwork, training, and the initial report from a vigilant member of the public for the successful outcome.—
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How to avoid stimulus check scams As plans for any forthcoming checks remain unclear, stimulus scams have become so widespread that the IRS has cautioned the public to stay vigilant.—
Adjective
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The absorbed or scattered light creates a unique pattern called the spectrum, which is effectively the substance’s fingerprint.—
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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.—
Adjective
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June 21 – July 22 Security grows from today’s caring choices.—
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My hope is that teachers will stay strong and stay committed to making schools child-centered, warm and caring.—
Cite this Entry
“Attentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attentive. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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