groupthink

noun

group·​think ˈgrüp-ˌthiŋk How to pronounce groupthink (audio)
: a pattern of thought characterized by self-deception, forced manufacture of consent, and conformity to group values and ethics

Examples of groupthink in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Janis wrote that American military commanders didn’t pay attention to warnings of an impending attack in part because of groupthink. John Blake, CNN Money, 26 May 2025 Groupthink Irving Janis explained that groupthink happens when group pressures and a drive for unanimity suppress dissent and critical evaluation. George Bradt, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 In a world of amplified noise, instant takes and a whole lot of groupthink, the man had grown accustomed to having his essence misunderstood. Michael Silver, New York Times, 22 May 2025 Fueled by the radical groupthink Far Left faculty, inept University leadership, donations by foreign adversaries, and pro-Hamas terrorists, Harvard has fully embraced and tolerated the raging antisemitism threatening the lives and physical safety of Jewish students on campus. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for groupthink

Word History

Etymology

group entry 1 + -think (as in doublethink)

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of groupthink was in 1952

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Cite this Entry

“Groupthink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groupthink. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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