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

Research confirms that sleep deprivation reduces activation in those parts of the prefrontal cortex that govern judgment, working memory and strategic reasoning. — Shefali Raina, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

And part of the reasoning behind those indulgent offseason moves was to make a big trade-deadline move unnecessary. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026

These questions crowd out economic reasoning and replace it with court politics. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 27 July 2026

Perhaps the Codex Micro’s most interesting feature is a rotary dial that lets the user adjust the agent’s reasoning level depending on the difficulty of the task. — New Atlas, 25 July 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