rethink

verb

re·​think (ˌ)rē-ˈthiŋk How to pronounce rethink (audio)
rethought (ˌ)rē-ˈthȯt How to pronounce rethink (audio) ; rethinking

transitive verb

: to think about again : reconsider

intransitive verb

: to engage in reconsideration
rethink
ˈrē-ˌthiŋk How to pronounce rethink (audio)
ˈrē-ˈthiŋk
noun
rethinker noun

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
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.
While accent walls can still highlight a feature or add subtle drama, McKenzie encourages rethinking the concept altogether. Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025 Regional governments may rethink their involvement if peacekeepers come under fire, while the PA’s pledges to reform may prove as empty as past ones. Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025 The manpower shortages compelled the War Department not only to rethink its policy of barring Black GIs from combat, but to cut back the number of servicemen stationed stateside, retaining only those disqualified for overseas duty by age or physical condition. Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025 Every wire, motor, and circuit was rethought to minimize size while keeping the drone flyable. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rethink

Word History

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of rethink was in 1509

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Cite this Entry

“Rethink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rethink. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

rethink

verb
re·​think rē-ˈthiŋk How to pronounce rethink (audio)
rethought -ˈthȯt How to pronounce rethink (audio) ; rethinking
: to think about again : reconsider

More from Merriam-Webster on rethink

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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