lateral thinking

noun

chiefly British

: a method for solving problems by making unusual or unexpected connections between ideas

Examples of lateral thinking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pattern can’t be ignored; schools may overlook dyslexic minds, but those experiences often forge resilience, lateral thinking, and an ability to spot opportunities others miss, the very qualities that drive innovation. —Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 18 Feb. 2026

This nws in not just about saving the tunnel project, but is also an interesting showcase of what can be achieved with a little bit of lateral thinking and planning. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Jan. 2026

As a solution, the US Army Air Forces hit on a smidgen of lateral thinking. —New Atlas, 8 Jan. 2026

This additional layer of lateral thinking is almost never prudent, and usually serves to kill both guardians quicker (and instill a killer headache). —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025

The weekly quiz sees teams tackle a range puzzles – testing logic, lateral thinking and problem-solving. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 May 2025

Rhymes for lateral thinking

• blinking
• clinking
• drinking
• inking
• kinking
• linking
• shrinking
• sinking
• slinking
• stinking
• winking
• freethinking