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
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.
Vincent Reinhart, chief economist at BNY Investments, agrees that the shift paved the way for the Fed’s mistake in thinking the inflation surge was merely the result of global supply chains breaking down.
From Barron's • May 15, 2026
The word “nostalgia” first emerged to describe what doctors back then considered a malady, thinking it unwise to long for the past.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
“I remember thinking, ‘Man, it would be cool to be a millionaire by 30.’
From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026
Sonders and her colleague Kevin Gordon published a smart report last month that highlights the distinctions and the long-term benefit of thinking like an investor.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
She twists her mouth to one side, thinking.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
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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.