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
Approximately 73% of neurodivergent professionals surveyed stated that cybersecurity aligns with their strengths, such as deep focus, lateral thinking, and pattern recognition.
—
Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
This was a bit of a lateral thinking puzzle:
A husband and wife are driving down a road one night when the car runs out of gas.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
The weekly quiz sees teams tackle a range puzzles – testing logic, lateral thinking and problem-solving.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 May 2025
This prompt encourages lateral thinking by pushing entrepreneurs to consider multiple approaches to the same problem.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Abstract Thinking & Creativity: Can the model grasp and manipulate abstract concepts, generate novel ideas, or solve problems requiring lateral thinking?
Metacognition: Does the model demonstrate an awareness of its own knowledge limits?
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Think of this as the lateral thinking version of that practice.
—Christian Davies Fcsd, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Today his lateral thinking and vertical play has Bournemouth — amid an injury crisis — starting to ponder Champions League football next season.
—Michael Walker, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
That’s the kind of big-brain lateral thinking that would make Robert Langdon proud.
—Emily Heller, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025
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.
Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
This was a bit of a lateral thinking puzzle:
A husband and wife are driving down a road one night when the car runs out of gas.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
The weekly quiz sees teams tackle a range puzzles – testing logic, lateral thinking and problem-solving.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 May 2025
This prompt encourages lateral thinking by pushing entrepreneurs to consider multiple approaches to the same problem.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Abstract Thinking & Creativity: Can the model grasp and manipulate abstract concepts, generate novel ideas, or solve problems requiring lateral thinking?
Metacognition: Does the model demonstrate an awareness of its own knowledge limits?
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Think of this as the lateral thinking version of that practice.
—Christian Davies Fcsd, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Today his lateral thinking and vertical play has Bournemouth — amid an injury crisis — starting to ponder Champions League football next season.
—Michael Walker, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
That’s the kind of big-brain lateral thinking that would make Robert Langdon proud.
—Emily Heller, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lateral thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lateral%20thinking. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share