critical thinking

American

[krit-i-kuhl thing-king] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈθɪŋ kɪŋ /

noun

disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence.

The questions are intended to develop your critical thinking.

Etymology

Origin of critical thinking

First recorded in 1810–15

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.

"It takes critical thinking to develop and use AI tools in ways that make real advances in science, technology and the humanities," Burton says.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

In order to AI-proof your career, apply to jobs where critical thinking and innovation are more important than technical skills.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

Accounting firms are working to change how traditional auditing work is done, with the aim of taking away younger professionals’ rote work and allowing them more critical thinking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Robots, Melania Trump insisted, can teach “deep critical thinking and independent reasoning abilities.”

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

The left hemisphere presides over rational, analytical and critical thinking.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023