rationalizations

noun

plural of rationalization
as in pretexts

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalizations
  1. pretexts
  2. rationales
  3. pretenses
  4. explanations
  5. justifications
  6. arguments
  7. reasons
  8. guises
Noun
  • Pages and pages have been written on this passage, seeking out its ideological subtext, its historical context and its intellectual pretexts in classical and early modern thought.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 9 June 2026
  • The Kremlin is making false accusations that could be used in the future as pretexts for military attacks.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Definition of pretexts
Noun
  • While there are plenty of rationales, CBS News will have to be patient and hope that viewers will sample the program, which largely had the same look as last year despite Weiss’ changes.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Commentators from across the political spectrum have observed that, while opponents might cite water or electricity usage as their reasons, there are deeper rationales for the reaction against data centers.
    — Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of rationales
Noun
  • Conference expansion has shattered pretenses to regional coherence.
    — Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The strategic mistake of invading Iraq on false pretenses was then compounded by tactical errors.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of pretenses
Noun
  • State officials have not offered any explanations about what went wrong.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Jones said the team believes its drilling results raise questions about some previous explanations of the site as a natural rock formation.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of explanations
Noun
  • Catch and eliminate personal excuses, justifications, or peer comparisons.
    — Brendan Keegan, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Despite such justifications, these cuts, closures and layoffs have caused morale to plummet at Goddard, some current workers say, and have left management increasingly disconnected from the research center’s day-to-day operations.
    — Eric Niiler, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of justifications
Noun
  • The new Type 01—revealed today in New York—will be judged by the same standards, with the arguments already begun and the marque, again, putting its future on the line.
    — Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Those decisions have been handed down after months of consideration, including oral arguments.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of arguments
Noun
  • They were found to sharply increase how long people continued to engage, but often for reasons of anger and curiosity, rather than enjoyment.
    — Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Activated by eminent domain Cook, an insurance agent living in Sugarloaf Township next door, has her own reasons to oppose the data center project.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of reasons
Noun
  • Throughout the weekend, Dudamel embraced the worlds of Hollywood, Latin music in many guises and old-fashioned rock.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • With their traditional, legacy rivals — the Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur — in various guises of transition, Arsenal are suddenly the team to beat and the Emirates is suddenly a library of sound; noise please.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of guises
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.

Browse Nearby Words

rationalization
rationalizations
rationalize
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Cite this Entry

“Rationalizations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalizations. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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