reasoning

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

Synonyms of reasoning

• logic
• reason

Examples of reasoning in a Sentence

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

Washington therefore reaches beyond the availability of information to the reasoning that connects information with an employment outcome. — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

For example, these models excel at writing and refining code, identifying bugs, and multi-step reasoning. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

Also, in retrospect, Nora’s reasoning for taking Alice off of the case is actually pretty solid. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

As revealed by Variety, the new season, hosted by Indian cinema legend Amitabh Bachchan, is the franchise’s first to be crafted with artificial intelligence, shifting the show’s focus from trivia recall toward reasoning under pressure. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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