Rating some examiners alter (4)
I believe the answer is:
salt
'rating' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'some examiners alter' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'SALT' is hidden in the letters of 'examiners alter'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for salt that I've seen before include "Sea dog" , "NaCl" , "Mariner; sodium chloride" , "Condiment - experienced sailor" , "Wit; sodium chloride" .)