reasoning 1 of 3

Definition of reasoningnext

reasoning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of reason

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 reasoning
Noun
Chain of thought reasoning breaks down processes into a logical sequence of steps, which can help AI models arrive at more accurate answers. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 When researchers disrupted the J-space, higher-order capabilities such as multistep reasoning deteriorated sharply. — Nicola Sfondrini, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
Contrived or not, the models appeared to be reasoning about their own situations— forming plans, weighing consequences, anticipating countermoves. — Kevin Roose, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026 This makes generalization and AGI key concepts when reasoning about the speed of progress. — Geoffrey Irving, Time, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reasoning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reasoning
Adjective
  • Sometimes our rational understanding of life and death bumps into a seemingly impossible presence.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • So in the short term, these employers are arguably making an economically rational decision — but one that may still come at their employees’ expense.
    — Dylan Scott, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Yook plays Han Sun-woo, a legal intern who would rather be designing jewelry and who trusts his instincts over logic.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026
  • His albums have always embraced scattershot indulgence, with 18 or 25 or 34 tracks trying to capture his life and logic in toto.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • During that period and beyond, Hawthorne kept a series of notebooks, which scholars see as an important primary source for understanding the ideas and descriptions that informed his early writings and later novels.
    — Robert S. Levine, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The science writer Ann Finkbender wrote a charming essay about understanding this principle of life in Last Word on Nothing.
    — Shayla Love, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Virginia appeals court is being asked to invalidate the amendment, arguing state lawmakers failed to follow proper procedures before putting it before voters.
    — Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Means, along with his sister, came to prominence within the MAHA movement by arguing that ultraprocessed foods, additives and pesticides could be blamed for many of the chronic health conditions facing Americans.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • For much of the world, the AI that would matter most may not be the most intelligent model ever built.
    — Keyu Jin, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
  • This all-loving creator is ever present, completely good, and the intelligent source of immortal truth and unending love.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2026
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
Verb
  • There is just enough wry humor—think Shaun of the Dead—sprinkled throughout to keep things from getting too grim, often deriving from Bryan’s cluelessness and general lack of skills.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Chiefs finished dead last in the NFL with 362 yards deriving from explosive rushes last season.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But one thing is certain that is not going to be a walkover for any of the contending parties at all in this election.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • He’s thrived under pressure, delivering in tight spots while proving conducive to winning on multiple contending clubs.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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