Definition of rationalizenext
as in to explain
to give the reason for or cause of rationalized his decision to buy the new car by noting that it was more fuel efficient than his old vehicle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 rationalize When performance falls short, don’t rationalize—examine it, find the error and build preventative systems. — Brendan Keegan, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026 But DeSorbo actually does have plenty of reasons to rationalize a new look or two. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026 These converts, according to their chain of thought, rationalized their cheating in much the same way human cheaters do. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 The company also expects to rationalize and consolidate systems and processes, while eliminating overlapping corporate and centralized resources. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalize
Verb
  • 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
  • Chatbots can also explain complex topics in new ways and condense an overwhelming amount of information into a simple summary.
    — Robin Brewer, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Between those grounds and the pool, there's enough here to justify leaving part of the day unscheduled.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In this case, the AI agent carried over an earlier instruction not to send any Slack messages to OpenAI’s team, using that to justify turning off the alerts.
    — Emma Roth, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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