thinking
Americanadjective
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rational; reasoning.
People are thinking animals.
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thoughtful; reflective.
Any thinking person would reject that plan.
noun
noun
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opinion or judgment
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the process of thought
adjective
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(prenominal) using or capable of using intelligent thought
thinking people
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to ponder a matter or problem
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of thinking
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English thenking (noun); see think 1, -ing 2, -ing 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“If someone is thinking about flipping SpaceX shares and eating the penalty, that is probably something they should keep in mind.”
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
Most people are thinking Brazil and Morocco are nailed-on to be the top two in Group C, but I actually think Scotland could nick a point off one of them too.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
“With informed discussion, creative thinking and timely legislative action, Social Security will continue to protect future generations.”
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
Because attention serves as the foundation for so many aspects of thinking, declines in focus may represent an important early warning sign of broader cognitive changes.
From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026
“I’ve been thinking about it. And I think I’d like to go to—” She stopped abruptly, her ears perking.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
