Thesaurus results for RATIONALIZE

rationalize

verb

ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz

Definition of rationalize

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

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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 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 Once it’s been rationalized and authorized by the government, even admired and cultivated as an expedient virtue, there’s no easy way to stop it. — David Shulman, The New York Review of Books, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rationalize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalize

Verb

Diesel fuel that is intended for off-road uses such as agriculture is exempt from federal and state excise taxes, and it is dyed for law enforcement purposes, the White House explained in a fact sheet.

— NICHOLAS INGRAM, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Imagination and influence are tied together, Sherald explained.

— Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of explain

Verb

At Wednesday’s hearing, Paul described Niembro as the most culpable of the four defendants and Ramirez as second, while acknowledging that Ramirez’s cooperation justified a significantly shorter sentence.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Rising prices could also lead shoppers to reconsider which rewards still feel small enough to justify.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of justify

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

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