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

Rhymes for lateral thinking

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