critical thinking

noun

1

: the act or practice of thinking critically (as by applying reason and questioning assumptions) in order to solve problems, evaluate information, discern biases, etc.

Today, what we call the Socratic method is a way of teaching that fosters critical thinking, in part by encouraging students to question their own unexamined beliefs, as well as the received wisdom of those around them.

—Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt

2

: the set of skills, methods, etc. involved in critical thinking

Media literacy enlivens how our schools teach critical thinking by serving as a bridge between the classroom and the world in which our young people live most of their waking lives.

—Wally Bowen

Using the same skills used for centuries—analysis, synthesis, and evaluation—we must look at digital literacy as another realm within which to apply elements of critical thinking.

—Barbara Jones-Kavalier and Suzanne Flannigan

—sometimes hyphenated when used before another noun

Helping students develop critical-thinking skills and information literacy is one of the core missions of libraries everywhere.

—Nancy Pearl

Examples of critical thinking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Studies have shown that routine use of AI has a deleterious impact on cognition, creativity, recall, and critical thinking. —Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026

In other words, those who keep an open mind and maintain critical thinking toward the outputs of their AI tools. —Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

For example, an organization might use AI for scheduling, translations, or administrative tasks, while people remain responsible for communication, mentoring, and critical thinking—the things that matter most for trust and performance. —Bob Sternfels, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026

Education is being pushed to value curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world readiness alongside testing requirements. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for critical thinking

• blinking
• clinking
• drinking
• inking
• kinking
• linking
• shrinking
• sinking
• slinking
• stinking
• winking
• freethinking