thankful
Americanadjective
adjective
Related Words
See grateful.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of thankful
First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English thancful; see thank, -ful
Compare meaning
How does thankful compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
On Thanksgiving, we remember to be thankful, showing and feeling our thanks for the meal and company in front of us. When you are thankful, you're full of thanks. It's a word that expresses either a feeling or showing of gratitude. You can be thankful that the long week is over, or you can give a thankful smile to your boss when she says you can leave a few hours early.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
So rather than worry about the weakness in Berkshire’s stock, investors should just let it happen — and be thankful.
From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026
He wrote on X: "Political violence is wrong. We must all condemn this attack and be thankful no lives were lost."
From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026
Krysten does meet the requirements to stay on Medicaid, which she’s thankful for.
From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026
“It was tricky out there. Just hit it great. Really thankful for a good finish.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026
He gave her a smile, a genuine one, thankful for the moment that she was there.
From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
