convergent thinking

noun

A type of thinking that focuses on finding a single, best solution to a problem by analyzing and evaluating available information.

Opposite
divergent thinking
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Meanings

nounconvergent thinking (uncountable)
  1. uncountableA type of thinking that focuses on finding a single, best solution to a problem by analyzing and evaluating available information.

Synonyms & antonyms

nounthinking that brings together information focussed on solving a problem (especially solving problems that have a single correct solution)

Opposite
divergent thinking
Broader
thinkingthoughtthought process

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Origin

Coined by Joy Paul Guilford in 1956.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

convergent thinking. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/convergent%20thinking

MLA

“convergent thinking.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/convergent%20thinking. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “convergent thinking,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/convergent%20thinking.

Source: convergent thinking on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.