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.
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
Wally BowenUsing 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
Barbara Jones-Kavalier and Suzanne FlanniganHelping students develop critical-thinking skills and information literacy is one of the core missions of libraries everywhere.—Nancy Pearl
Nancy PearlExamples of critical thinking in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Use the technology to enhance speed and scale, but always apply critical thinking and add your human touch.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
This President’s disdain for critical thinking is tied to an ideological agenda.
—Peter Balakian
july 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
Others worry that Big Tech companies are using AI to enrich themselves at the expense of teachers’ jobs and students’ critical thinking development.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 9 July 2025
The initiative is part of a broader industry push to integrate generative AI into education, amid federal calls for private sector support, though some experts warn of risks to student learning and critical thinking.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for critical thinking
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Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
This President’s disdain for critical thinking is tied to an ideological agenda.
—Peter Balakian
july 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
Others worry that Big Tech companies are using AI to enrich themselves at the expense of teachers’ jobs and students’ critical thinking development.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 9 July 2025
The initiative is part of a broader industry push to integrate generative AI into education, amid federal calls for private sector support, though some experts warn of risks to student learning and critical thinking.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for critical thinking
Cite this Entry
“Critical thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critical%20thinking. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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