lateral thinking
noun
chiefly British
: a method for solving problems by making unusual or unexpected connections between ideas
Examples of lateral thinking in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This creates a level of situational flexibility and lateral thinking that AI simply cannot simulate.
—
Charan Dhillon, Forbes.com, 7 May 2026
This nws in not just about saving the tunnel project, but is also an interesting showcase of what can be achieved with a little bit of lateral thinking and planning.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Jan. 2026
As a solution, the US Army Air Forces hit on a smidgen of lateral thinking.
—New Atlas, 8 Jan. 2026
This additional layer of lateral thinking is almost never prudent, and usually serves to kill both guardians quicker (and instill a killer headache).
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025
The weekly quiz sees teams tackle a range puzzles – testing logic, lateral thinking and problem-solving.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 May 2025
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Charan Dhillon, Forbes.com, 7 May 2026
This nws in not just about saving the tunnel project, but is also an interesting showcase of what can be achieved with a little bit of lateral thinking and planning.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Jan. 2026
As a solution, the US Army Air Forces hit on a smidgen of lateral thinking.
—New Atlas, 8 Jan. 2026
This additional layer of lateral thinking is almost never prudent, and usually serves to kill both guardians quicker (and instill a killer headache).
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025
The weekly quiz sees teams tackle a range puzzles – testing logic, lateral thinking and problem-solving.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lateral thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lateral%20thinking. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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