as in preoccupied
inclined to forget what one has learned or to do what one should
we become more forgetful as we get older
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 forgetful
Lucky for the forgetful reader who checked out the book, the library got rid of overdue fines in 2021, so they won’t be charged a dime.
—
Saul Pink, San Antonio Express-News, 8 Feb. 2026
In those early scenes of Home Alone, O’Hara is not just an avatar for a forgetful, imperfect mother.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
The company designed the ring not for the peace of mind of forgetful people like me but because, Oura says, one in 10 users have already bought a spare charger, perhaps so there’s always one your desk at work, for instance.
—David Phelan, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Now 82 years old, Chase comes off as a surly, forgetful man.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for forgetful
Saul Pink, San Antonio Express-News, 8 Feb. 2026
In those early scenes of Home Alone, O’Hara is not just an avatar for a forgetful, imperfect mother.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
The company designed the ring not for the peace of mind of forgetful people like me but because, Oura says, one in 10 users have already bought a spare charger, perhaps so there’s always one your desk at work, for instance.
—David Phelan, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Now 82 years old, Chase comes off as a surly, forgetful man.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for forgetful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forgetful
Adjective
-
Whether despite this background or because of it, young Zac becomes preoccupied with the outward signs of extreme wealth, luxury cars especially, in a manner somewhat precocious but not entirely remarkable for a teenage boy.—
Mark O’Connell,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
When leaders become too preoccupied with managing feelings, people get less practice handling frustration, taking correction, and functioning under pressure—the very experiences that build resilience.—
Jonathan Alpert OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Shaknovsky, 44, appeared confused as deputies pulled him from the car and handcuffed him at a busy intersection in Miramar Beach, Florida, the video shows.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
-
At the first sight of a passenger’s confused look in front of an elevator, a crew member will step in to offer assistance.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s something winningly absent-minded about Gosling’s performance here.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The show offered her five more episodes—her rent for the year—and the absent-minded waitress became a recurring character named Ursula.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Aasif Mandvi and Christopher Fitzgerald barely register as Jane and Julia’s oblivious husbands, while Consuelos, who plays Maurice as a suave cuckolder with a dodgy European accent, should probably stick to daytime TV.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Then, 15 meters later, a clueless cameraman stepped onto lane 1 from the infield, oblivious to the approaching pack.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Garcia says, acting out the usual blush of so many bewildered men.—
Darío Gael Blanco,
Vanity Fair,
25 Apr. 2026
-
My mother looked bewildered and even Father looked up.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Forgetful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forgetful. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
