grateful vs. thankful

grateful vs. thankful: What’s the difference?

Grateful and thankful are close synonyms that are almost always used to mean the same thing. Both can mean “feeling gratitude” (as in I’m so grateful/thankful for the opportunity) or “expressing gratitude” (as in Their letter was extremely grateful/thankful). Both words can be used even when there’s not actually anyone to thank. Grateful also has a much rarer sense, meaning “pleasing to the mind or senses.”