reason

1 of 2

noun

rea·​son ˈrē-zᵊn How to pronounce reason (audio)
1
a
: a statement offered in explanation or justification
gave reasons that were quite satisfactory
b
: a rational ground or motive
a good reason to act soon
c
: the thing that makes some fact intelligible : cause
the reason for earthquakes
the real reason why he wanted me to stayGraham Greene
d
: a sufficient ground of explanation or of logical defense
especially : something (such as a principle or law) that supports a conclusion or explains a fact
the reasons behind her client's action
2
a(1)
: the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking especially in orderly rational ways : intelligence
(2)
: proper exercise of the mind
(3)
: sanity
b
: the sum of the intellectual powers
3
archaic : treatment that affords satisfaction

reason

2 of 2

verb

reasoned; reasoning ˈrēz-niŋ How to pronounce reason (audio)
ˈrē-zᵊn-iŋ

intransitive verb

1
: to use the faculty of reason so as to arrive at conclusions
2
a
: to talk with another so as to influence actions or opinions
can't reason with them
b
obsolete : to take part in conversation, discussion, or argument

transitive verb

1
: to discover, formulate, or conclude by the use of reason
a carefully reasoned analysis
2
: to persuade or influence by the use of reason
3
archaic : to justify or support with reasons
reasoner
ˈrēz-nər How to pronounce reason (audio)
ˈrē-zᵊn-ər
noun
Phrases
in reason within reason
: within reasonable limits
with reason
: with good cause
Choose the Right Synonym for reason

think, cogitate, reflect, reason, speculate, deliberate mean to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference.

think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

Examples of reason in a Sentence

Noun I gave a reason for my absence. Is there a reason for your strange behavior? There is a reason why they don't want to come. I can't give you the report for the simple reason that it isn't yet finished. She explained her reasons for deciding to change jobs. He wanted to know the reason for their decision. Give me one good reason why I should believe you. For obvious reasons, we can't do that yet. For reasons of space, some of the charts and graphs have been omitted from the article. She resigned for personal reasons. Verb He lost the ability to reason. He reasoned that both statements couldn't be true. She reasoned that something must be wrong.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
That’s one reason that Stalmaster earned his honorary Oscar. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Kylie Jenner Launches First Fragrance: ‘Elevated Scent That Is Perfect for Day and Night’ The Kardashians star instead cited the birth of her son Aire Webster, 2, as the reason for her new style. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 Although saving energy was often put out as a reason to have Daylight Saving Time, the energy saved isn’t much — if anything at all. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 Eagle Pass, Texas — President Biden used his State of the Union remarks on Thursday to forcefully call on Republican lawmakers in Congress to pass a bipartisan immigration compromise that stalled last month, accusing them of derailing the proposal for political reasons. Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2024 Confusion about immigration laws may be the reason people believe that Biden is not implementing effective policies at the border. Jean Lantz Reisz, The Conversation, 8 Mar. 2024 LeMahieu's office did not provide a reason why Rai's nomination didn't get a vote. Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024 For the top 20 brands, having a convenient location and good value for money were the main reasons consumers choose their primary grocery store. Cortlynn Stark, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2024 Don’t try to adjust your medications on your own—for both medical and spiritual reasons. Azmia Ricchuito, SELF, 7 Mar. 2024
Verb
After reports of early earthquake relief supplies being stolen by the Somoza regime in Nicaragua, Clemente decided to deliver the next plane of earthquake supplies himself, perhaps reasoning that government thieves wouldn’t dare steal from Roberto Clemente in the flesh. Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024 Robin, listening in, reasoned that someone had broken into Steve’s parents’ home to hold them up for a little cash. Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2024 By delving deeply into users' mental models and reasoning patterns, Momentum Design Lab seamlessly integrates AI with human strengths, such as emotion and creativity. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 In 1981, the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry set aside $850 million for the Fifth Generation computer project, with the goal of developing thinking machines that will reason like humans. Gil Press, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 The board reasoned that the decision by the worker — identified as Antonio Morales — to display the BLM acronym on the apron was a direct response to racial discrimination complaints within the store and is protected under federal law. Anne D'innocenzio, Quartz, 21 Feb. 2024 Third, the court reasoned that no economic interest had passed to the beneficiaries of the trusts. Matthew Roberts, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Renfrew reasoned that the dramatic spread of Indo-European languages must have required a bigger push than could be provided by contact with ragtag groups of nomadic herders. Kurt Kleiner, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 Some authors reason about this issue differently, though. Trevor Hedberg, The Conversation, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reason.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English resoun, from Anglo-French raisun, from Latin ration-, ratio "reckoning, calculation, explanation," from reri "to calculate, think;" probably akin to Goth rathjo "account, explanation"

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of reason was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near reason

Cite this Entry

“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reason. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reason

1 of 2 noun
rea·​son ˈrēz-ᵊn How to pronounce reason (audio)
1
a
: a statement given to explain a belief or act
gave a reason for my absence
b
: a good basis
reasons for thinking life may exist on other planets
c
: the thing that makes some fact understandable : cause
wanted to know the reason for earthquakes
2
a
: the power to think : intelligence
b
: a sound mind

reason

2 of 2 verb
reasoned; reasoning ˈrēz-niŋ How to pronounce reason (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
1
: to talk with another in order to cause a change of mind
reason with someone
2
a
: to use the power of reason
b
: to state or conclude by use of reason
reasoned that both statements couldn't be true

Legal Definition

reason

noun
rea·​son
1
: an underlying ground, justification, purpose, motive, or inducement
required to provide reasons for the termination in writing
2
a
: the faculty of comprehending, inferring, or distinguishing especially in a fair and orderly way
b
: the proper and sane exercise of the mind

More from Merriam-Webster on reason

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!