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Synonyms

rethink

American  
[ree-thingk, ree-thingk] / riˈθɪŋk, ˈriˌθɪŋk /

verb (used with or without object)

rethought, rethinking

  1. to reconsider, especially profoundly.

noun

  1. the act of reconsidering.

rethink British  

verb

  1. to think about (something) again, esp with a view to changing one's tactics or opinions

"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

noun

  1. the act or an instance of thinking again

"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

  • rethinker noun

Etymology

Origin of rethink

First recorded in 1690–1700; re- + think 1

Explanation

When you rethink, you consider something again, often reaching the opposite conclusion. You'll rethink your decision to go bungee jumping as soon as you're standing at the top of a tall bridge getting ready to jump. You'll have to rethink your usual two A.M. bedtime after you get a new job making donuts at five every morning. A kindergarten teacher might also need to rethink his laid-back teaching style when he's faced with an especially high-energy class. You can also use rethink as a noun: "I need to have a quick rethink about what I'll have for lunch, since the cafeteria is out of French fries."

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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.

African clergy are generally more conservative than Western bishops, rejecting calls in parts of Europe to rethink Catholic teaching on same-sex relationships or the role of women in the church.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Ahmed brought the idea to rethink “Hamlet” with a South Asian British family to Lesslie, who has stripped down and streamlined Shakespeare’s play to the emotional essentials, while director Karia brings a gritty, stylish look.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Meanwhile, homeowners are seeing a deduction on state and local taxes quadruple in its value, and now may need to rethink their strategy on the best way to cut their tax bill.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Walsh said the disruptions could prompt a broader rethink on energy policy.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“If you think bumping my backside on this hard seat all day long is an adventure, you better rethink, girl.”

From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper

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.