thinking

1 of 2

noun

think·​ing ˈthiŋ-kiŋ 

1

: the action of using one's mind to produce thoughts

2

a

: opinion, judgment

I'd like to know your thinking on this

b

: thought that is characteristic (as of a period, group, or person)

the current student thinking on fraternities

thinking

2 of 2

adjective

: marked by use of the intellect : rational

thinking citizens

thinkingly adverb

thinkingness noun

Synonyms of thinking

Adjective

• reasoning
• rational
• intelligent

Examples of thinking in a Sentence

Noun

Form your own opinions: don't let others do your thinking for you!

I've been doing some thinking about this, and I don't think you're right after all.

The school's curriculum encourages independent thinking.

A piece of quick thinking got us out of trouble.

I'd like to know your thinking on this.

What is the current thinking on the subject?

Adjective

Chess is a thinking man's game.

it's surprising to find thinking people who believe such nonsense

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Critical, independent and common-sense thinking was essential to deal with our evolution, to include those time when grave mistakes were made and great leaders had to make tough decisions to course correct. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026

The Rancho Santa Fe Foundation looks forward to continuing to host programs that inspire innovative thinking and deepen the impact of local philanthropy, the news release stated. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Adjective

Humor can release the writer from values of the past, along with judgment and disapproval, and instead, humor can become the very conduit for re-thinking events. —Literary Hub, 14 Nov. 2025

Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college. —Keith Bierygolick, Cincinnati.com, 28 Aug. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1605, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing thinking

• critical thinking
• deceive oneself into thinking
• forward-thinking
• lateral thinking
• put one's thinking cap on
• put on one's thinking cap
• thinking cap
• to someone's way of thinking
• wishful thinking

Rhymes for thinking

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

Kids Definition

thinking

1 of 2 noun

1

: the action of using one's mind to produce thoughts

2

a

: opinion sense 1, judgment

it is, to my thinking, utter nonsense

b

: thought entry 2 sense 2

the current thinking on the subject

thinking

2 of 2 adjective

: marked by use of the power of thinking

thinking citizens