rethink

verb

re·​think (ˌ)rē-ˈthiŋk 

rethought (ˌ)rē-ˈthȯt  ; rethinking

transitive verb

: to think about again : reconsider

intransitive verb

: to engage in reconsideration

rethink

ˈrē-ˌthiŋk 

ˈrē-ˈthiŋk

noun

rethinker noun

Synonyms

• reconsider
• revisit
• review

Examples of rethink in a Sentence

You had better rethink your decision.

The government is rethinking its policy.

He took a moment to rethink.

Recent Examples on the Web

With the looming tariffs, Brazilian meatpackers are rethinking exporting to the U.S., according to an industry lobby group. —Evie Steele, NBC news, 23 July 2025

But as Space Force turns more to commercial industry for new technologies needed to fight a potential conflict in space, military leaders are rethinking that culture. —Brett Tingley, Space.com, 23 July 2025

Farming in Ancient North America: A millenniums-old settlement in Michigan has archaeologists rethinking the rise of agriculture on the continent. —New York Times, 22 July 2025

With ongoing economic uncertainty, homeowners are rethinking their priorities, holding off on major renovations and seeking small changes with big impact. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for rethink

• bethink
• downlink
• groupthink
• hoodwink
• uplink
• blink
• brink
• chink
• cinque
• clink
• dink
• drink

Kids Definition

rethink

verb

re·​think rē-ˈthiŋk 

rethought -ˈthȯt  ; rethinking

: to think about again : reconsider