rethink

verb

re·​think (ˌ)rē-ˈthiŋk How to pronounce rethink (audio)
rethought (ˌ)rē-ˈthȯt How to pronounce rethink (audio) ; rethinking
Synonyms of rethinknext

transitive verb

: to think about again : reconsider

intransitive verb

: to engage in reconsideration
rethink
ˈrē-ˌthiŋk How to pronounce rethink (audio)
ˈrē-ˈthiŋk
noun
rethinker noun

Synonyms of rethink

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Examples of rethink in a Sentence

You had better rethink your decision. The government is rethinking its policy. He took a moment to rethink.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
From shorter tasting menus to flexible à la carte and lunch options, some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants are rethinking what luxury dining looks like and who experiences it. — Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 And now that the company is on firm financial footing, Gayer is rethinking the long-term strategy in order to find more wins in the rare disease space. — Brad Quick, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 But these days, clinicians like me are starting to rethink this approach. — Amy J. Mathers, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026 That will require cyber leaders to continue to rethink human and machine collaboration. — John Kell, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rethink

Word History

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of rethink was in 1509

Rhymes for rethink

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Browse Nearby Words

retheorize
rethink
Rethondes
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Cite this Entry

“Rethink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rethink. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rethink

verb
re·​think rē-ˈthiŋk How to pronounce rethink (audio)
rethought -ˈthȯt How to pronounce rethink (audio) ; rethinking
: to think about again : reconsider
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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