Phrase guide

mental gymnastics

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Difficult and complex logical thought processes, especially when performed effortlessly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: plural, plural-only

Examples

  • To cope with these mental gymnastics we apply various ways of simplifying and reducing the information.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Inventive, complex arguments used to justify what is otherwise unjustifiable.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: derogatory, plural, plural-only

Examples

  • People often perform mental gymnastics in order to blame anyone but themselves.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Swedish: hjärngymnastik — difficult and complex logical thought processes