thinking 1 of 3

Definition of thinkingnext

thinking

2 of 3

noun

thinking

3 of 3

verb

present participle of think

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of thinking
Adjective
These are the most vulnerable parts [of the brain] and can be easily damaged, so your libido can run a bit more wild when it’s not being curtailed by the higher thinking part of the brain. Kate Morgan, The Cut, 20 Apr. 2018 Sometimes surgeries require more thinking beforehand. Erin Blakemore, Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2017
Noun
Maybe, the thinking went, the free market could help. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 With a focus on communication and clear thinking, the job is a good fit for humanities majors. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Verb
Research consistently links chronic stress to impaired executive function, specifically the kind of thinking leaders rely on most, such as risk assessment, emotional regulation, and strategic planning. Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 So, she’s been thinking about this for the better part of a year. R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for thinking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thinking
Adjective
  • Ray advises Anna to let the police handle the situation, which confirms him as the most rational character on the show and thus the only threat that Cady seems to recognize.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Research from the LinkedIn B2B Institute, conducted with Les Binet and Peter Field, found that emotional B2B campaigns deliver roughly seven times the long-term effectiveness of rational ones.
    James Fratzke, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • But also very enlightening and [a] profound time of self-reflection and fear, processing and meditation.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • In the image, Kidman appeared to enjoy a moment of meditation while out in nature.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • After spending the entire film believing that killing Krem will finally bring her peace, Ruthye is forced to confront whether vengeance will actually heal her — or simply continue the cycle of violence.
    Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
  • Both leaders prioritized people, believing that caring for employees leads to exceptional customer and patient service.
    Robert Reiss, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The human brain is the ultimate existence proof that intelligent systems that are vastly more energy-efficient than today’s AI are physically possible.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • It was revered for its intelligent satire of modern society and materialism, providing sight gags and slapstick humor for kids while proving relatable for young adults learning to navigate life.
    Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Its challenges require active engagement, not passive contemplation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Sterman, after much contemplation, decided to use natives but didn’t develop a detailed plan.
    Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Rather than guessing how a frame might look, shoppers can use digital tools to get a better sense of fit and appearance before ordering.
    Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • The net takeaway is that Warsh wants to keep markets guessing, allowing its own pricing mechanisms to react to data and handicap scenarios.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Suggest a brief pause for reflection, then return with a clear offer that honors your privacy while keeping the bond steady.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026
  • The mirror shows a glimpse of the apartment’s interior in its reflection when Miranda-Martin opens the door.
    Marissa Gluck, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd said Minnesota was considering selecting Duke wing Isaiah Evans with the 28th pick in this week’s NBA Draft, prior to the Wolves sliding back five selections due to the Julius Randle trade.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 June 2026
  • That’s key considering the film’s hard-to-classify nature, in which Early, first of all playing a woman, portrays an aspiring food influencer and content creator who is struggling with an eating disorder.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 24 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thinking. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on thinking

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster