Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
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."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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.

They should rethink those assumptions and pass the bill.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

"But rising costs and a difficult funding environment have hit hard. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how we support and invest in touring."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

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

“Would you like to rethink your last request?” he asked pleasantly.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

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.