critical thinking

noun

1

: the act or practice of thinking critically (as by applying reason and questioning assumptions) in order to solve problems, evaluate information, discern biases, etc.

Today, what we call the Socratic method is a way of teaching that fosters critical thinking, in part by encouraging students to question their own unexamined beliefs, as well as the received wisdom of those around them.

—Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt

2

: the set of skills, methods, etc. involved in critical thinking

Media literacy enlivens how our schools teach critical thinking by serving as a bridge between the classroom and the world in which our young people live most of their waking lives.

—Wally Bowen

Using the same skills used for centuries—analysis, synthesis, and evaluation—we must look at digital literacy as another realm within which to apply elements of critical thinking.

—Barbara Jones-Kavalier and Suzanne Flannigan

—sometimes hyphenated when used before another noun

Helping students develop critical-thinking skills and information literacy is one of the core missions of libraries everywhere.

—Nancy Pearl

Examples of critical thinking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Writing essays yourself fosters critical thinking, analysis, and the ability to develop and defend original ideas—skills essential for both academic and entrepreneurial success. —Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Already, a growing body of research correlates persistent use of AI with a drop in critical thinking; humans become reliant on AI and unwilling, perhaps unable, to verify its work. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025

In the first- through fifth-grade classrooms, teachers introduce subjects that build on what’s learned in the early years as well as continue to develop students’ critical thinking skills. —Jose Bolanos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025

Pausing before acting sharpens critical thinking, reduces stress and builds trust. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for critical thinking

• blinking
• clinking
• drinking
• inking
• kinking
• linking
• shrinking
• sinking
• slinking
• stinking
• winking
• freethinking