critical thinking

noun

1

: the act or practice of thinking critically (as by applying reason and questioning assumptions) in order to solve problems, evaluate information, discern biases, etc.

Today, what we call the Socratic method is a way of teaching that fosters critical thinking, in part by encouraging students to question their own unexamined beliefs, as well as the received wisdom of those around them.

—Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt

2

: the set of skills, methods, etc. involved in critical thinking

Media literacy enlivens how our schools teach critical thinking by serving as a bridge between the classroom and the world in which our young people live most of their waking lives.

—Wally Bowen

Using the same skills used for centuries—analysis, synthesis, and evaluation—we must look at digital literacy as another realm within which to apply elements of critical thinking.

—Barbara Jones-Kavalier and Suzanne Flannigan

—sometimes hyphenated when used before another noun

Helping students develop critical-thinking skills and information literacy is one of the core missions of libraries everywhere.

—Nancy Pearl

Examples of critical thinking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While critical thinking is invaluable, the tendency to fixate on ambiguous data points—many of which pertain to uncontrollable external factors—can lead to unnecessary stress. —Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

What is clear is international law and humanitarian diplomacy do not meet Pope Francis' standards of morality, courage, and critical thinking. —Lynn Zovighian, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

And now more than ever, documentary is a powerful tool to open new perspectives, build bridges and stimulate critical thinking. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025

Political polarization and media fragmentation defy easy answers, and better equipping the public to reject dubious claims will likely require long-term educational investments in media literacy and critical thinking skills. —Roseanne McManus, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for critical thinking

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