So, you want to show that you can think outside the box, right? Well, “think outside the box” is a common phrase, but is it the only way to express creativity and innovation?
This article will explore what to say instead of “think outside the box.” We’ve gathered the best synonyms to mix things up.
“Think Outside the Box” Synonyms
- Innovative
- Creative thinking
- Unconventional
- Original ideas
- Inventive
- Imaginative
- Break the mold
- Resourceful
- Unorthodox
- Fresh perspective
- Visionary
- Cutting-edge thinking
- Revolutionary
KEY POINTS
- “Think outside the box” is a good way to show that you have a creative and innovative approach.
- “Innovative” is a great professional synonym that can work in many contexts.
- You can say “creative thinking” to demonstrate your ability to come up with original ideas.
Keep reading to learn more about the best synonyms for “think outside the box.” We’ve covered the best options formally and informally to show you what else to write.
You can also skip to the final section to learn more about highlighting your creative thinking. We’ve explored whether the phrase is correct and appropriate before you write about it.
Innovative (Formal)
“Innovative” is a great formal alternative if you want a one-word variation. It is much simpler to use than “think outside the box.” Most readers will understand that you bring new and creative ideas to the table due to your innovative nature.
You may want to use it when writing a resume. It lets a potential employer know that you are forward-thinking and capable of developing unique solutions. Naturally, those qualities make you quite desirable.
It also shows that you can come up with new methods or ideas to improve processes. For instance, an innovative approach could streamline operations and boost efficiency.
We recommend using “innovative” and “think outside the box” in similar contexts. Both are professional, so they work well in a business setting. Why not switch between them to keep things interesting?
You can refer to these examples to help you:
- I am an innovative thinker, always looking for new ways to solve problems.
- Her innovative approach led to groundbreaking solutions that set our company apart from the competition.
Creative Thinking (Formal/Informal)
“Creative thinking” is a versatile alternative to “think outside the box.” You can use it when you want to show that you are capable of coming up with original and effective ideas.
For instance, you might say “creative thinking” when talking to colleagues or in a resume. It shows you can generate unique solutions and think beyond conventional boundaries. It works well to highlight your imaginative approach.
It also works well when something requires a novel perspective. For instance, you could say that creative thinking helped overcome a challenging problem.
We recommend using “creative thinking” in both formal and informal contexts. It’s effective and versatile, making it a strong choice for various writing styles.
These examples should help you understand it:
- I employ creative thinking to tackle complex challenges and develop unique solutions.
- The team’s creative thinking resulted in innovative products that transformed our market.
Is It Correct to Say “Think Outside the Box”?
“Think outside the box” is correct. It shows you can approach problems with creativity and innovation.
It’s quite good to include a phrase like this on a resume. It shows you are open-minded and capable of thinking beyond traditional methods. The more innovative your ideas, the more likely an employer will look at you positively and hire you for your creativity.
It can also show that you have a specific approach to problem-solving. For instance, thinking outside the box could lead to discovering new opportunities and solutions.
Moreover, you can use it in a more general sense to explain that you are creative and innovative. It could, for instance, be that you have a unique perspective that drives progress and improvement.
So, “think outside the box” is quite a versatile phrase. It works both for people and processes. We recommend using it to cover both aspects.
Bookmark this page to remind yourself of the best synonyms for “think outside the box.” While it’s a great option, it’s always a good idea to have a few extra words and phrases ready to go.
