Thesaurus results for RATIONALE

rationale

noun

ˌra-shə-ˈnal

Definition of rationale

as in explanation

a statement given to explain a belief or act the rationale for starting the school day an hour later is that kids will supposedly get an extra hour of sleep

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of rationale It's regarded as wildly unethical and cruel, so the rationale for Netflix turning it into a TV show, where 30 people enter a real prison for two weeks, is hard to justify. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 The latest rationale is that earnings momentum in the chip sector, as reflected in upward EPS estimate revisions, is decelerating. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 His attorneys claim that, when searching for Murkerson’s vehicle, sheriff’s deputies entered nonsense rationales. — Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026 There’s a few things that may have changed that led Netflix to this point, and the streamer’s rationale is likely a combination of all of them rather than just one. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rationale

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale

Noun

The likelier explanation, Seth said, is that the models have absorbed a great deal of information about how humans describe and respond to pain and are reproducing it.

— Shae Lake, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
When two upcoming shows in Chicago were canceled without explanation, Hall released a statement.

— Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of explanation

Noun

For next year’s admissions, institutions would have to publish more detailed selection criteria and explain rejections when applicants request reasons.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
For that reason, Republicans believe the seat is a likely pickup this fall in what is otherwise a difficult midterm environment.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

The Brookings paper makes the same argument in academic terms.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Both local governments filed their briefs to the Supreme Court this week, emphasizing their arguments that the bans are lawful because the AR-15 and similar weapons are not ordinary firearms.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of argument

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rational

rationale

rationales

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“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationale

noun

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