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

Additionally, tariffs are putting a strain on companies, driving many sourcing teams to rethink their sourcing strategies. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 1 July 2025

Plus, a number of provisions that the Senate changed after the bill first passed the House — particularly the strengthening of Medicaid cuts — could make moderate House Republicans rethink their votes. —Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 1 July 2025

Effective leaders are rethinking benefits by doing what matters most and doing it better. —John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Eliminating core requirements, rethinking G.P.A., teaching A.I. skepticism—none of the potential fixes could turn back the preconditions of American youth. —Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 30 June 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