reasoning

1 of 2

noun

rea·​son·​ing ˈrēz-niŋ 

ˈrē-zᵊn-iŋ

1

: the use of reason

especially : the drawing of inferences or conclusions through the use of reason

2

: an instance of the use of reason : argument

reasoning

2 of 2

present participle of reason entry 2

Synonyms of reasoning

Noun

• logic
• reason

Examples of reasoning in a Sentence

Noun

Could you explain your reasoning?

They told everyone the reasoning behind the decision.

a conclusion based on fallacious reasoning

Humans possess the power of reasoning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This could, in turn, negatively affect workers' autonomy, confidence and reasoning abilities, which could hurt their career prospects and growth. — Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Critical decisions should require active human reasoning, not passive approval of machine recommendations. — Babajide Ojuola, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Andy Anderson, once a private detective for Griffin Investigations, demonstrated this remarkable feat of motivated reasoning in the 2004 documentary The Hot Shoe. — Kit Chellel, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026

But the district attorney’s reasoning with regard to the original police report exposes the problem. — Ilana Turko, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reasoning

• line of reasoning

Rhymes for reasoning

• seasoning

Kids Definition

reasoning

noun

rea·​son·​ing

1

: the use of reason

2

: the reasons used in and the proofs that result from thought : argument