think piece

Or think·piece

[thingk pees]

noun

1. Also called dope story. Journalism.,  an article, as in a magazine or journal, analyzing and giving the background of a news event or public issue, usually with the author's opinions.

   Our assessments in this think piece are inherently subjective.

2. an artistic work, film, etc., that stimulates thought and discussion.

   a cinematic think piece on the meaning of “heroism.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of think piece¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Idioms and Phrases

An article that presents news analysis, background material, and the author's opinions, as in Her goal was to write think pieces but the editor kept assigning crime stories. [c. 1940]

Example Sentences

Most of the think pieces following Fulcher’s exit have missed the forest for the trees.

From Salon

And think pieces on why pouring milk first is the only acceptable way to enjoy cereal have been written en masse.

From Salon

“Fascist isn't quite the right category for the Empire,” opined a commenter on a 2022 think piece posted on the Online Library of Liberty.

From Salon

There will be many think pieces exploring the deeper meanings of the symbolism found in this film.

From Salon

Throw in the sheer tonnage of think pieces and appreciations and other navel-gazing and you’d be forgiven for asking: Do we also need a book about Lorne Michaels?

From Los Angeles Times