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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.

Each chapter ventures a little deeper into Anxietyland, where the harrowing attractions include the Emotional Rollercoaster, the Worry-Go-Round, the Magical Thinking Show and Hangxiety Falls.

From Salon • Jun. 27, 2026

Thinking about that really, really influenced my approach to these pieces in terms of trying to collapse in each piece the timescales of historical influences and contemporary identity, but also the locality.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026

Thinking it was a supporter, the candidate extended his hand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

In his first interview with BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking, the attorney general said people had always underestimated the prime minister.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Thinking about Audrey reminded me that I’d told her I wouldn’t go to the dance with Conner.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence

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