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.
The mood of the season was very much about rethinking everyday basics—and to inject your wardrobe with a fresh sense of whimsy and personality. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 1 July 2026 How Iran attacks are forcing the Pentagon to rethink its decades-old Middle East base strategy. — FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 Organizations that successfully implement flexible work models are often the ones willing to rethink how work gets done. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Rising costs for ingredients, packaging and supplies are forcing entrepreneurs to rethink pricing and operations while trying to keep customers. — Chloe Dao, Mercury News, 29 June 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on rethink

Nglish: Translation of rethink for Spanish Speakers

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