Top 38 Slang For Think – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing our thoughts and pondering life’s mysteries, sometimes the standard vocabulary just doesn’t cut it. That’s where slang for “think” comes in. From trendy phrases to quirky expressions, we’ve scoured the depths of the English language to bring you a curated list of the most creative and mind-boggling slang words for “think.” Get ready to expand your linguistic horizons and add a touch of flair to your conversations.

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1. Brainstorm

To engage in a group or individual activity where ideas are generated and discussed in a rapid and creative manner. “Brainstorm” often refers to the process of coming up with new ideas or solutions to a problem.

For example, during a team meeting, someone might suggest, “Let’s brainstorm some ideas for our next marketing campaign.”
A teacher might encourage students by saying, “Take a few minutes to brainstorm different ways to solve this math problem.”
In a business setting, a manager might say, “We need to brainstorm new strategies to increase sales.”

2. Ponder

To think deeply or carefully about something. “Ponder” often implies a level of reflection or consideration beyond casual thinking.

For instance, a person might say, “I need some time to ponder this decision before I give you an answer.”
When faced with a complex problem, someone might say, “I need to ponder the different variables before coming up with a solution.”
A philosopher might encourage others to ponder life’s big questions by saying, “Take a moment to ponder the meaning of existence.”

3. Reflect

To think or consider something carefully, often by looking back on past experiences or events. “Reflect” can also refer to the act of examining one’s own thoughts or feelings.

For example, after a breakup, a person might reflect on what went wrong in the relationship.
When writing a personal essay, an author might reflect on a significant life event.
A therapist might encourage a client to reflect on their emotions and thought patterns.

4. Contemplate

To think deeply or carefully about something, often with a sense of curiosity or introspection. “Contemplate” implies a level of concentration and focus in one’s thinking.

For instance, a person might contemplate the meaning of a poem or a work of art.
When faced with a difficult decision, someone might say, “I need some quiet time to contemplate my options.”
A spiritual person might contemplate the mysteries of the universe during meditation.

5. Ruminate

To think deeply or at length about something, often in a repetitive or obsessive manner. “Ruminate” suggests a process of chewing over thoughts or ideas.

For example, a person might ruminate on a past mistake, replaying it in their mind over and over.
When trying to solve a complex problem, someone might spend hours ruminating on different approaches.
A person dealing with anxiety might find themselves ruminating on worst-case scenarios.

6. Meditate

To meditate means to deeply think or reflect on a particular subject or idea. It often involves focusing one’s mind and finding inner peace or clarity.

For example, “I like to meditate on my goals and aspirations to gain a sense of direction.”
A person might say, “I need some time to meditate on this decision before I make up my mind.”
In a discussion about mental health, someone might suggest, “Meditation can help calm the mind and improve overall well-being.”

7. Mull over

To mull over means to carefully consider or think about something, often with the intention of making a decision or finding a solution. It implies spending time and effort in deep thought.

For instance, “I need some time to mull over whether I should accept the job offer.”
A person might say, “I’ve been mulling over the idea of starting my own business for a while now.”
In a discussion about problem-solving, someone might suggest, “Take a step back and mull over the issue from different angles.”

8. Consider

To consider means to think about or give careful thought to something. It involves weighing options or possibilities before making a decision.

For example, “I will consider your proposal and get back to you with my decision.”
A person might say, “I’m considering taking a gap year before starting college.”
In a debate about a controversial topic, someone might argue, “We need to consider all perspectives before forming an opinion.”

9. Deliberate

To deliberate means to carefully think about or discuss something before making a decision or taking action. It implies a thorough and thoughtful examination of the matter at hand.

For instance, “The jury deliberated for hours before reaching a verdict.”
A person might say, “I need some time to deliberate on whether I should accept the job offer.”
In a team meeting, someone might suggest, “Let’s deliberate on the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision.”

10. Assess

To assess means to carefully examine, analyze, or evaluate something in order to make a judgment or determine its value, importance, or quality.

For example, “The teacher will assess the students’ performance based on their test results.”
A person might say, “I need to assess the situation before I can offer any advice.”
In a business meeting, someone might suggest, “Let’s assess the potential risks and benefits of this new project before moving forward.”

11. Analyze

To examine something in detail and carefully consider its components or elements. “Analyze” often implies a methodical and systematic approach to understanding a subject.

For example, a scientist might analyze data from an experiment to draw conclusions.
In a business context, someone might say, “Let’s analyze the market trends before making a decision.”
A student preparing for an exam might say, “I need to analyze the text to understand its main themes.”

12. Speculate

To form ideas or theories about something without having all the facts or evidence. “Speculate” often implies a degree of uncertainty or conjecture.

For instance, a sports fan might speculate about which team will win the championship.
In a discussion about a mysterious event, someone might say, “We can only speculate about what really happened.”
A person might speculate about the future by saying, “I speculate that technology will continue to advance at a rapid pace.”

13. Daydream

To indulge in pleasant or fanciful thoughts or fantasies, often about something one desires or wishes for. “Daydream” implies a temporary escape from reality.

For example, someone might daydream about winning the lottery and all the things they would do with the money.
During a boring meeting, a person might daydream about being on a tropical beach.
A student might daydream about their summer vacation instead of paying attention in class.

14. Imagine

To form a mental image or picture of something in one’s mind. “Imagine” often involves creating or visualizing something that does not currently exist.

For instance, a writer might imagine a fictional world for their story.
When discussing possibilities, someone might say, “Imagine what could happen if we all worked together.”
A person might imagine themselves achieving their goals and say, “I imagine myself standing on that stage one day.”

15. Visualize

To form a clear mental image or picture of something in one’s mind. “Visualize” often implies a deliberate effort to create a vivid mental representation.

For example, an athlete might visualize themselves successfully completing a difficult move before attempting it.
In a guided meditation, someone might say, “Visualize yourself in a peaceful garden.”
A person might visualize their ideal future by creating a vision board with images that represent their goals.

16. Conceive

To conceive means to come up with an idea or a plan. It refers to the process of forming a thought or concept in one’s mind.

For example, “I just conceived a brilliant idea for a new invention.”
In a brainstorming session, someone might say, “Let’s try to conceive some innovative solutions to this problem.”
A writer might mention, “The author conceived a unique plot twist that surprised readers.”

17. Grasp

To grasp means to understand or comprehend something. It refers to the act of mentally capturing or comprehending a concept or idea.

For instance, “I finally grasped the concept of quantum physics after studying it for months.”
In a classroom, a student might say, “I’m having trouble grasping the main idea of this chapter.”
A teacher might ask, “Did everyone grasp the concept I just explained, or should I go over it again?”

18. Process

To process means to digest or mentally absorb information. It refers to the act of mentally working through or understanding a piece of information.

For example, “It took me some time to process the news of her passing.”
In a meeting, someone might say, “Give me a moment to process what you just said before I respond.”
A therapist might ask, “How are you processing the emotions that came up during our session?”

19. Reason

To reason means to think logically or use rational thinking. It refers to the act of using logical arguments or evidence to reach a conclusion or make a decision.

For instance, “She reasoned that it would be best to save money by buying in bulk.”
In a debate, someone might say, “Let’s reason through this issue and find a solution that benefits everyone.”
A philosopher might discuss, “Reason is the foundation of critical thinking and logical analysis.”

20. Solve

To solve means to figure out or find a solution to a problem or puzzle. It refers to the act of resolving or finding an answer to a challenging situation.

For example, “He was able to solve the math problem by using a unique approach.”
In a mystery novel, a detective might say, “I’m determined to solve this case and catch the culprit.”
A scientist might mention, “Our team is working hard to solve the equation that will unlock the secrets of the universe.”

21. Evaluate

To carefully examine or analyze something in order to determine its value, importance, or quality. “Evaluate” is often used in academic or professional contexts.

For example, a teacher might ask students to “Evaluate the effectiveness of this experiment.”
A manager might say, “We need to evaluate the performance of our employees.”
In a product review, a customer might write, “I evaluated the pros and cons before making my purchase decision.”

22. Brood

To think deeply or at length about something, often with a sense of worry or anxiety. “Brood” implies a more introspective or melancholic type of thinking.

For instance, a person might say, “I tend to brood over past mistakes.”
In a novel, a character might be described as “brooding over his troubled past.”
A friend might ask, “What are you brooding about? You seem lost in thought.”

23. Puzzle

To think about or try to understand something that is difficult or perplexing. “Puzzle” can also refer to a problem or a riddle that requires mental effort to solve.

For example, a student might say, “This math problem is really puzzling me.”
A person might ask, “Can you help me puzzle out this crossword clue?”
In a mystery novel, a detective might say, “The case continues to puzzle me.”

24. Cogitate

To think deeply or reflect on something, often with a deliberate and focused effort. “Cogitate” suggests a more intellectual or philosophical type of thinking.

For instance, a philosopher might spend hours cogitating on the nature of existence.
A person might say, “I need some quiet time to cogitate on this problem.”
In a journal entry, someone might write, “I spent the afternoon cogitating on the meaning of life.”

25. Fantasize

To imagine or create a fantasy or idealized version of something in one’s mind. “Fantasize” often implies a desire for something that is unlikely or unrealistic.

For example, a person might say, “I like to fantasize about winning the lottery and traveling the world.”
A friend might ask, “What do you fantasize about when you’re bored?”
In a romance novel, a character might fantasize about the perfect love story.

26. Philosophize

To philosophize means to engage in deep, abstract thinking or contemplation about life, existence, or abstract concepts.

For example, someone might say, “Let’s philosophize about the meaning of life.”
In a discussion about ethics, a person might argue, “We need to philosophize about what is right and wrong.”
A philosopher might write, “To philosophize is to question the nature of reality and our place in it.”

27. Dwell

To dwell means to think or focus on something for a prolonged period of time, often to the point of becoming fixated or obsessed.

For instance, if someone keeps thinking about a past mistake, they might say, “I can’t stop dwelling on it.”
In a conversation about a difficult decision, a person might admit, “I tend to dwell on things before making a choice.”
A therapist might advise, “Try not to dwell on negative thoughts, and instead focus on the present moment.”

28. Introspect

To introspect means to examine one’s own thoughts, feelings, or motives, often in a deep and reflective manner.

For example, someone might say, “I need some time alone to introspect and figure out what I truly want.”
In a discussion about personal growth, a person might share, “I’ve been introspecting a lot lately and learning more about myself.”
A psychologist might recommend, “Introspect on your emotions and try to understand their underlying causes.”

29. Ponderize

Ponderize is a playful blend of the words “ponder” and “analyze,” and it means to deeply contemplate or think about something.

For instance, someone might say, “I like to ponderize the mysteries of the universe.”
In a conversation about a complex problem, a person might suggest, “Let’s ponderize all possible solutions before making a decision.”
A philosopher might write, “Ponderizing allows us to explore the depths of our thoughts and gain new insights.”

30. Muse

To muse means to engage in deep or abstract thinking, often in a dreamy or imaginative way.

For example, someone might say, “I like to muse about what the future holds.”
In a discussion about creativity, a person might share, “I often find inspiration when I’m musing and letting my mind wander.”
A writer might describe their process as, “I sit in a quiet room and let my thoughts muse before putting them on paper.”

31. Reflect on

To spend time thinking deeply or carefully about something.

For example, “I need some time to reflect on what you’ve said before I make a decision.”
In a conversation about personal growth, someone might say, “It’s important to reflect on your actions and learn from them.”
A therapist might encourage a client by saying, “Take some time this week to reflect on your goals and values.”

32. Chew on

To think about something deeply or carefully, often with the intention of understanding or finding a solution.

For instance, “I need some time to chew on this problem before I can come up with a solution.”
In a discussion about a complex issue, someone might say, “This is a tough one. I’ll have to chew on it for a while.”
A friend might ask for advice and say, “I’ve been chewing on this decision for days. What do you think?”

33. Wrestle with

To engage in a mental or emotional battle with a difficult or challenging idea, concept, or decision.

For example, “I’ve been wrestling with whether or not to take that job offer.”
In a conversation about personal beliefs, someone might say, “I’ve been wrestling with my faith and trying to find my own truth.”
A student might express frustration and say, “I’ve been wrestling with this math problem for hours and I still can’t figure it out.”

34. Envision

To form a mental image or concept of something that is not yet present or real.

For instance, “I can envision a future where renewable energy is the norm.”
In a discussion about goal-setting, someone might say, “Envisioning your ideal outcome can help you stay motivated.”
A coach might encourage an athlete by saying, “Envision yourself crossing the finish line first and let that drive you.”

35. Dwell on

To think or talk about something for a prolonged period of time, often to the point of overthinking or becoming consumed by it.

For example, “I know I shouldn’t dwell on the past, but I can’t help it.”
In a conversation about negative thoughts, someone might say, “Don’t dwell on the criticism. Focus on your strengths.”
A friend might express concern and say, “You’ve been dwelling on that issue for weeks. It’s time to let it go.”

36. Grapple with

To wrestle with a difficult problem or situation. This phrase implies a sense of struggle or challenge in trying to understand or solve something.

For example, “I’ve been grappling with this math problem all night and I still can’t figure it out.”
In a discussion about a complex issue, someone might say, “We need to grapple with the ethical implications of this decision.”
A person reflecting on a personal struggle might say, “I’ve been grappling with my emotions after the breakup.”

37. Brood over

To think deeply or excessively about something, often in a negative or obsessive way. This phrase suggests a state of overthinking or dwelling on a particular thought or problem.

For instance, “She tends to brood over her mistakes and it affects her self-esteem.”
When discussing someone who is constantly worried, one might say, “He tends to brood over every little thing.”
A person reflecting on a past event might say, “I can’t help but brood over what could have been.”

38. Rack one’s brain

To think hard or intensely about something, often in an effort to remember or understand. This phrase suggests a mental strain or effort in trying to come up with an answer or solution.

For example, “I’ve been racking my brain trying to remember where I put my keys.”
When discussing a challenging problem, one might say, “I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out the solution.”
A person reflecting on a difficult decision might say, “I’ve been racking my brain trying to weigh the pros and cons.”