rationale
noun
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If someone asserts that the word rationale refers to a ration of ale, they are wrong, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have an actual rationale (a reason, explanation, or basis) for such a claim. “Rationale looks like the words ration and ale jammed together,” they could offer, and while that is true you’d be justified in responding: “Appearances can be deceiving.” Rationale is a direct borrowing of the Latin word rationale, with which it shares the meaning “an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice, or phenomena.” The Latin rationale comes from a form of the adjective rationalis (“rational”), which traces back to the noun ratio, meaning “reason.” While the Latin ratio is also the forebear of the English noun ration, referring to a share of something, rationale has nothing to do with a tankard (or stein, or even a pony) of beer.
Examples of rationale in a Sentence
Nosa Omoigui,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
That, together with preemptive blocking and generalized rationales, suggests that the volunteer community is increasingly prioritizing prevention, efficiency and content quality over efforts to rehabilitate new users.
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Ryan McGrady,
The Conversation,
25 June 2026
While acknowledging the power of the Olympics, Carter credits the sport’s popularity to a more fundamental rationale.
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Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
25 June 2026
Trump previously made limiting Iran’s missile program a rationale for US military operations, but his stance shifted during negotiations.
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Kathleen Magramo,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationale. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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rationale
noun
