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Synonyms

thinking

American  
[thing-king] / ˈθɪŋ kɪŋ /

adjective

  1. rational; reasoning.

    People are thinking animals.

  2. thoughtful; reflective.

    Any thinking person would reject that plan.


noun

  1. thought; judgment, reflection.

    clear thinking.

thinking British  
/ ˈθɪŋkɪŋ /

noun

  1. opinion or judgment

  2. the process of thought

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. (prenominal) using or capable of using intelligent thought

    thinking people

  2. to ponder a matter or problem

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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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